The prevalence of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa is growing, and these disorders are affecting adolescents and young adults at increasingly younger ages. This has led to a greater number of patients presenting to health services. Although novel therapeutic approaches have been introduced in recent decades, the mortality rates of patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa remain alarmingly high. The course of anorexia nervosa in particular is often chronic and can lead to persistent disability. This book covers the clinical features and symptoms, neurobiology, pathophysiology, and current and potential future treatment options for both anorexia and bulimia nervosa. It also highlights the important aspects of support for families and their perspectives on these disorders.

Simona Giordano presents the first full philosophical study of ethical issues in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Beginning with a comprehensive analysis of these conditions and an exploration of their complex causes, she then proceeds to address legal and ethical dilemmas such as a patient's refusal of life-saving treatment. Illustrated with many case-studies, Understanding Eating Disorders is an essential tool for anyone working with sufferers of these much misunderstood conditions, and for all those ethicists, lawyers, and medical practitioners engaged with the widely relevant issues they raise.

First published in 1994. As the incidence of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity sometimes caused by compulsive eating has risen, so has research and literature in the field. Presenting current knowledge of these eating disorders - the most common types found in adolescents and adults - this book addresses issues relevant to all.; Examining the pertinent history, aetiology, psychotherapy, and sociology, the contributors define these eating disorders and discuss issues of recovery and methods of treatment.; They also consider the problem as it exists in both male and females in this multicultural society. The resulting volume is divided into four parts: the first gives an overview in general, and the next three focus individually on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and obesity respectively.

The abundance of food in the developed countries of the world has seemingly spawned an epidemic of disorders connected to the food. Extremes such as intensive concern about one's body image and total disregard for it have resulted in countries which contain enormous segments of the population who are either obese and proud of it or bordering on anorexia nervosa. This new book gathers state-of-the-art research from leading scientists throughout the world which offers important information on understanding the underlying causes and discovering the most effective treatments for eating disorders.

Revised and updated. In a society where people have access to healthy, nutritious food, why do so many -- especially girls and young women - develop eating disorders that can lead to illness, psychological anguish, organ damage and death? This revised and updated edition of Eating Disorders provides expert advice on the causes, effects and treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and a host of less familiar eating disorders. The authoritative text is non-technical and accessible. Topics include: Early warning signs Genetic predisposition Feeding disorders of infancy and early childhood Complicating factors such as pregnancy, diabetes and substance abuse The recovery process Updated medical and psychological treatment options Practical tips on how family and friends can help. The book is organized into the following chapters: Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Other Eating Disorders Factors That Complicate Eating Disorders Understanding Eating Disorders Medical Treatment Medications That May Help Psychological Treatment The Road to Recovery. Supplemented by case studies and personal insights from men and women recovering from these conditions, Eating Disorders is an intelligent, sensitive guide to a complex and disturbingly common problem.

The book explores the clinical challenge of long-term eating disorders and examines the physical and psychological problems, family issues and difficulties in day-to-day living that patients with SEED can experience. Explores the clinical challenge of long-term eating disorders—often compounded by co-morbidity with depression, self-harm, OCD or psychosis Eating disorders can persist for many years, yet are rarely classified as ‘severe and enduring’ in the way that other disorders such as schizophrenia can be Introduces Severe and Enduring Eating Disorder (SEED) as a concept, and draws on detailed case histories to describe its assessment and treatment Examines the physical and psychological problems, family issues and difficulties in day-to-day living that patients with SEED can experience Discusses treatment approaches including Rehabilitation Eating Disorders Psychiatry—also covers treatment in a range of different settings