Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa

<p>Emotionally and physically devastating anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness in teenage girls striking one in every two hundred (boys only make up 10% of all cases). And while there are many books on the subject most are either personal accounts of recovery or attempts to explain the disease from only one perspective be it psychoanalytic behavioral cultural or biological.<br />Now in this much-needed resource Dr. Alexander Lucas draws on 40 years of experience mostly at the Mayo Clinic to offer clear guidance and authoritative advice on how to overcome anorexia nervosa. Based on his own unique research with thousands of patients and striking a careful balance between psychological cultural and biological approaches Dr. Lucas demystifies this seemingly irrational disease and guides parents through the harrowing process of recovery. The book defines anorexia illustrates how it can evolve and how common it really is and outlines every part of the treatment process from the early warning signs that parents should watch out for to the initial evaluation to specific treatment plans. Dr. Lucas emphasizes the patient's role in defining the healing process with the support of the family and medical team. Throughout the book he counsels optimism stressing that in spite of the destructive power of the disease most who suffer from anorexia nervosa fully recover and are able to live normal healthy and productive lives. In his new Introduction Dr. Lucas stresses the need for controlled studies of treatment in anorexia nervosa and reiterates the hard truth that anorexia will always be a complex disorder that takes time and patience to overcome.<br />For anyone seeking level-headed medically sound and comprehensive guidance on the most effective treatments for this life-threatening disorder <em>Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa</em> offers a wealth of reliable reassuring information.</p><p>"A clear informative book for every patient and parent to read and for every physician to recommend." --Lenore Terr M.D.</p><p>"A must-read for patients and family as well as clinicians who want a concise balanced and up-to-date discussion of the art and science of the treatment of anorexia nervosa." --L. K. George Hsu M.D.</p>