Book Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Excellent resource for parents and clinicians
This book is an excellent resource for both parents and clinicians.I am a marriage and family therapist and often work with adolescents and their families.This book provides practical advice for parents and can be a helpful adjunct to family therapy with the eating disordered individual.

Gets to the point!!
This book is such a relief!! Unlike other books that go on and on about what eating disorders are and their causes and types and so on, this book actually tells you how to act. It tells you exactly how to deal with your teenager and how to behave around them.

Very Informative Book
Of the books I've read about eating disorders, this is probably the most informative one regarding explanations of what eating disorders are.This is an excellent resource for anyone with a young child or teenager with an eating disorder.I did find their advice about leaving your job to stay home with your child or going to their school to eat with them to be a bit impractical, but overall think the book is a valuable resource.

Successful approach to recovery
I found this book extremely helpful.It is very easy to understand and provides key information to helping teenagers recover from eating disorders using a new approach that includes parents and other family members supporting strategies to recovery,

The most helpful read at a most difficult time
This book gave my husband and I a much needed understanding of this complicated disease. Nothing else was as clear and helpful. ... Read more

Book Description
Dr. Susan J. Mendelsohn is all too familiar with eating disorders: she has personally wrestled with them for more than fifteen years. It's Not about the Weight: Attacking Eating Disorders from the Inside Out is part self-help guide and part memoir that tackles growing up with-and growing through-the challenge of body image distortions.

Whether you're just beginning your battle with an eating disorder (ED) or have struggled for years, this guide addresses the common themes of weight and body image preoccupations, the psychological place in which you may find yourself and, most importantly, how you can manage these obsessions through practical steps of self-healing-from the inside out.

Weaving real-life cases of Dr. Mendelsohn's clinical practice with her own personal struggles, this compelling success story shows you the appropriate steps in how to overcome the obstacles of weight and body image, how to triumphantly manage weight during recovery, how to maintain an overall satisfying existence, and how to finally live your life no matter what shape, size, or weight you are at any given time. Take this unique opportunity to let It's Not about the Weight guide you to a successful recovery and an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle!

Customer Reviews (12)

Outstanding
I highly suggest this book for anyone who has an eating disorder, or cares about someone who is experiencing one.Dr. Mendelsohn is extremely knowledgable about the causes and mental battles of an eating disorder from a doctor's stand point, but also has fought one herself.What she shares about her own journey helped me see that good can come out of painful pasts.She has overcome and her perspective is amazing!You can hear her encouragement and care come through on each page of the book.

Somebody finally gets it!!!!
Dr. Mendelsohn's new book does what no book has ever done before. It looks at ALL eating disorders from the inside. She touches the souls of those who suffer from an ED by sharing her own personal story. This is the first book I've read that I felt did not glorify or scold people who are living with ED's. If you are living with an ED and want to understand what its about, and why its not your fault- READ THIS BOOK!

Understanding Eating Disorders
Dr. Susie does an amazing job explaining all aspects of an eating disorder. This book is a self-help guide for not only the victims of ED, but for the loved ones that suffer with them. Dr. Susie goes into depth, sharing her knowledge from her own experience and education, to provide all the building blocks of an eating disorder. Her enthusiasm and great sense of personality shines through her writing and it is almost as if I was in her office during my own therapy session (I know because I am currently a patient of hers and have been for almost a year). I highly recommend this book for those who are unfortunate to afford an exceptional therapist and if recovery is the focus; Dr. Susie provides all the tools so that you can embark on the journey. Dr. Susie has the courage to share the stories of her own life and her battle with ED; because of this it is very inspritational and encouraging to keep up the fight. This self-help book is easy to read and understand, and puts things into perspective for those with and without an eating disorder.

It's Not About the Weight: Attacking Eating Disorders from the Inside Out
This is a sensational book for anyone that has an eating disorder or has a family member with an eating disorder. As a mom ,with a daughter who has been courageously fighting her eating disorder for the past 15 months, I have been reading every book on eating disorders and this is the first book I couldn't put down ...Dr. Susie talks about "triggers" and for the first time I understood what that term was really about. Her intelligence, enthusiam and first hand experience on this disorder is very prevalent throughout the book.She gives hope, encouragement along with information and coping mechanisms. One of a kind!!!! I also have had the pleasure to meet her.....she is as devoted, caring and knowledgeable as her book portrays. I will actively recommend her book to anyone I talk to about this terrible disease.

A Must Read!! =)
Dr. Susie not only is able to help others with this life-threatening illness, She is also able to empathize with each and every one of her patients. I know this from experience because I have been seeing her for the past year. She not only spends all her time at the office, she often spends many hours outside the office doing anything and everything she can to help her patients. She is fantastic and we are all very lucky to hear this womans amazing life story, the obstacles she has overcome and how she evolved into the wonderful doctor she is today. Dr. Susie is willing to go above and beyond most doctors in her field of expertise and I thank god everyday that I found her before ED put me six feet under. I don't know what I'd do without her and everyone now has the chance to get to know Dr. Susie. She is an amazingly talented doctor and human being, I give her book an A+!! ... Read more

Book Description
Surviving an Eating Disorder became an instant success when it was first published in 1988, not just because it was among the first books to alert America to the serious dangers of a silent but widespread disease, but because it offered effective solutions and support for family and friends of those with eating disorders. Eight years after its publication, the book continues to sell briskly and generate continuing interest from readers.

This new edition has been revised to address the cutting-edge advances made in the field of eating disorders, discuss how the changes in health care have affected treatment and provide additional strategies for dealing with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. It also includes updated readings and a list of support organizations. Without a doubt the best book on the subject, it is required reading for those suffering from eating disorders, their families and professionals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Target audience: the ED uneducated
I was surprised to read the reviews for this book.It is actually effective at what it is designed to do: teach friends and family of those who have an ED about the condition.It is not for those who have had a college course in body image disorders or those who are currently seeking treatment - there are much better resources available that will be of a much higher interest to you and will have more in depth info.

I mailed this book to my mother, mother-in law, and college friend when I decided to go into recovery.It is small and unassuming.It is easy to read.It isn't threatening or verbose.I think its a good start in the right direction.

Very informative
This was recommended by my daughter's physician and I found it to be the most informative of the very many books on ED that I have read.

Definitely not for sufferers
I got this book without reading the subtitle (Strategies for Family and Friends).I thought it might help me with Binge-Eating problems.It didn't.In fact, I got very bored.It was sickeningly boring and only discussed how to handle things if you weren't really all that involved.

First of all, it's my experience with any kind of mental health problem that you can't give a person help if they don't want the help.They have to make a conscious effort to choose to get help.This book somewhat bypasses this whole thing.

Second, it states what you typically see in an Anorexic -- loss of weight, not eating, etc.Okay, who doesn't know this?If you didn't know this, then you probably wouldn't be picking up the book in the first place.

I really don't think this book would be helpful if I had a friend or family member with an eating disorder.It's very unhelpful in my personal opinion.

Skip this book!

written specifically for family and friends
This is a good book designed for the friends and family of eating disorder sufferers.Before I gave this book to my familiy, I read it myself.I liked that the authors suggested therapy/counseling for friends and family, who can sometimes feel helpless watching their loved one suffer with an eating disorder.There was also a lot of focus on parents.That's good for many, but my family is not a problem in my case.When I gave this book to my family, I told them to ignore that chapter since it did not pertain to us.The information provided within the book helped my family understand what I'm going through, and for that I am thankful.I didn't know how to get the words out to explain the eating disorder.This book helped me tell my family of my disorder.

A powerful book with outstanding perspective
The quality and truth of this book shocked me. It talked of experiences in the exact way that I myself would explain them, except with a professional yet warm perspective. I could not put it down from the moment I started it. I would recommend this book to people going through such trauma as well as people looking for inspirational and enlightening reading material. ... Read more

Book Description
When Your Child has an Eating Disorder is the first hands-on workbook to help parents successfully intervene when they suspect their child has an eating disorder. This step-by-step guide is filled with self-tests, questions and answers, journaling and role playing exercises, and practical resources that give parents the insight they need to understand eating disorders and their treatment, recognize symptoms in their child, and work with their child toward recovery. This excellent and effective resource is one therapists can feel confident about recommending to patients. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Should be titled "Does your child have an eating disorder"
I purchased this book hoping to get some information about how I can help my daughter with her eating disorder.About a third of the book is exercises to determine IF your child might have an eating disorder (and much of this is listing myths).Then it skips right into comparing different types of treatment.I found nothing in this book about how I could help my daughter after her diagnosis and between doctor/psychologist visits.I felt like I was reading a college textbook on Eating Disorders 101.As a parent of a child afflicted with anorexia, I did not find this book helpful.Perhaps it would be useful for someone who suspects his or her child has an eating disorder and wants more information.

Excellent
Very good for family members and even for the anorexci person themselves. Simple and easy to read, lots of good tips for friends and family.

comprehensive and understandable
I am a MSW candidate at Simmons College with an extra interest in Eating Disorders.I have done a lot of research on the subject and have found this book to be the best I have seen recently.When Your Child has an Eating Disorder is comprehensive and concise.It is the most understandable book, laying out everything in a clear way.I find a lot of books written by therapists convoluted and over intellectualized to the point were one cannot tell what the topic is.

Both layman and professionals will be able to master more knowledge by reading this book than reading a dozen others.

When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: A Step-By-Step Workbook for Parents and Other Caregivers
This book is a trmendous help for those of us who have no idea what to do.Instead of feeling guilty or walking on eggs around the person, it gives good explanations of the disease and ideas for interaction.A great help.

educational, unconditional, and a grand lesson for communicating
I am a 29 year old adult who went through the recovery process of an eating disorder 10 years ago. Upon experiencing a reoccurrence of the disorder, I read this book. I was elated with the knowledge and kindness vibrating off the pages. I have gotten back on track thanks to Abigail. In addition to the education on Eating Disorders, I found this book a GEM on communicating. It has changed the way my husband and I speak and listen to one another, as well as our young children. It encourages family dynamics be explored to help recovery, but is it not a good lesson for all parents (families)to learn to "hear" what is said, and to what is not said. I will keep this book on my shelf as an invaluable resource for Eating Disorders, or any emotional disorder that may come up, for parenting, and for communication skills. Thank you, Abbie for your time and efforts in writting this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com
What makes Claude-Pierre's treatment of anorexia and bulimia revolutionary? Perhaps it's that the astonishingly high success rate of even the most chronic cases at Claude-Pierre's Montreux Clinic (only sufferers near death who have not been helped by doctors and hospitals are admitted) defies the common misconception that eating disorders are incurable. Claude-Pierre has made a personal commitment to dispel this damaging myth. Having cured her own two daughters of anorexia, you might say hers was a vested interest. The Secret Language of Eating Disorders reveals the details of Claude-Pierre's unique program.

Myths and misconceptions have shaped conventional treatment of anorexia and bulimia, leading to a cycle of hopelessness for those who suffer. Claude-Pierre's work reveals that victims share a common feeling of self-contempt. Further, she asserts that these overwhelming feelings of worthlessness are established at birth and slowly erode the healthy self. The revolutionary aspect of Claude-Pierre's program stems from her conviction that this negative mindset can be completely reversed.

The book describes the five stages of recovery, discusses the challenges peculiar to working with them at home, and presents a plan for working with health professionals. Also offered are stories of former Montreux patients, adding insight and depth to understanding these disorders. The book and the program have already saved many lives and will continue to do so.Book Description
Self-Help/Women's Health

Acclaim for Peggy Claude-Pierre's
The Secret Language of Eating Disorders

"Peggy Claude-Pierre has gone beyond the surface of eating disorders to discover their true causes and then present a valid and healing path. In this extremely constructive book, she offers incredible insights into the mind of the sufferer and the myths of eating disorders."      --Keith J. Karren, Ph.D.,
Department Chair, Health Sciences,
Brigham Young University

"Peggy Claude-Pierre is a warrior--ferocious and relentless--whose work has rescued a decade of sufferers."                        --Edward Feller, M.D., F.A.C.P.,
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine,
Brown University School of Medicine

"Peggy Claude-Pierre has created a paradigm shift in the way we view and treat anorexia. Peggy has shifted the focus of care from that of controlling the symptoms of disordered eating to healing the negativity that would otherwise plague the individual for the rest of his or her life. I have developed the utmost respect for her, for I realize that she has translated the secret language of anorexia. Now it is up to us to use the knowledge she has revealed."
--Daniel J. Smith, M.D.

"Peggy Claude-Pierre's work begins where attachment to the limiting obstacles of theory end. She has brought back from the dead many young lives the world deemed hopeless. . . . There are many who possess the title of 'doctor' who have never come close to her incredible example of the selfless healer."
--Craig T. Pratt, M.D.,
Chief, Division of Addiction Medicine,
Grant-Riverside Methodist Hospital ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

If You're Struggling and Need Help...
Are you seeking an answer?

Though this Book isn't a "cure all", it does answer some questions you may have. Questions such as:

"Why do I/my daughter/my son/my wife hate herself?"
"What can I do to help myself (or him/her)?"
"What have others done that may apply to me (or him/her)?"
"What methods/actions should I take to help my/their future?"
etc etc...

This book is pretty big (not huge) but it's pact full of useful information. Peggy even shares information of the many rehabilitation center's she has set up in and around the country and shares success stories of her own patients (without disclosing their names).

Having gone through this struggle myself in High School (when I bought the book), and even re-reading this book to date - it still sits on my shelf where it will remain because it IS useful. It does give life-changing information that WILL help you.

If you have a question about eating disorders, it has the answer. :)

Absolutely Insightful
Working on recovery of my own, I found this book wonderfully validating and insightful.I never knew that others had the same thoughts that consumed my mind and not only did this book show me that others were out there, it showed me there were people in this world who not only understood those girls but who even loved those girls unconditionally.

Although unable to finish the book since I am unable to deem myself somehow worthy of ridding myself of this ED, I have shared it with those closest with me to try to help them understand where I am coming from and what I am struggling with.

I know others bash this author for not having formal training - but no matter what I say she has absolutly amazing insight into the Eating Didsordered mind.

A friend to the isolated
I found this book a light in the dark.Claude-Pierre writes with extreme sensitivity and empathy on a killer disease which in fact kills because its victims are so sensitive.She manages to articulate on what others seem to miss i.e. that anorexia is not merely about feeling fat, or having a distorted body image but correctly identifies the 'other voice' as being the real poison within the sufferer.This book gave me the strength to get well and I know that other sufferers will find in it a source of real help and comfort.Words alone cannot praise this book enough.Suffers and non-sufferers alike must read it.

The Secrets Exposed
Author Claude-Pierre explains in layman's terms the mechanics of eating disorders. This greatly helped me to understand the mindset of the sufferer and seriousness of these types of disorders. The book offers a through explanation of symptoms, who is at risk, treatment, advice and support to family and friends of sufferers. In addition, there are some excellent references for reading materials and websites for help and support.

Not The Best
This book misrepresents eating disorders and makes eating disorder sufferers almost seem psychotic. The author is very inexperienced with eating disorders and only has her word to back up her statements. She puts down eating disorder facts that have proven to be true for many of us that have suffered with eating disorders. The one good thing about the book is how she encourages treating victims of eating disorders with love and compassion and her methodsmay work with some individuals, yet I have talked to those that have said that working with her was a terrible experience. I think her kindness is what drew her clients. She states that her way is the only way to help anorexics which ignores the fact that people are individuals. And she ignores the fact that other therapists besides her have had a high success rate and she puts down therapies that have helped me and many others. Some of her theories almost seemmystical. Almost like those with eating disorders are saints or psychics of some sort.It is good to note that her clinic was closed down for operating without a license.
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Not quite
This book offers the usual list of eating disorder warning signs and dangers along with a brief version of the author's personal story.That may be of interest to some readers.

The back cover promises "four chapters devoted to the Maudsley approach" but doesn't quite follow through.Rather, the author describes a form of treatment she terms PAMS (Parent Assisted Meals and Snacks) that departs in several ways from the Maudsley approach (also known as Family-Based Treatment). Parents interested in learning about Family-Based Treatment would be better off reading Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder.

The book's advice on communication borrows heavily from Difficult Conversations. Again, readers may wish to go right to the source for that information.

Informed and informative, "The Parent's Guide To Eating Disorders" is a very strongly recommended addition
Childhood and adolescent eating disorders are as complex as they are wide spread among the youth of today. Now parents have a practical, comprehensive, effective, and 'user friendly' instruction manual on how they can help their children to overcome (and even avoid) any category of eating disorder through a home-based recovery with "The Parent's Guide To Eating Disorders: Supporting Self-Esteem, Healthy Eating, & Positive Body Image At Home" by Marcia Herrin (Founder of the Dartmoth College Eating Disorder Prevention, Education and Treatment Programs) and writer/author Nancy Matsumoto. This newly updated and expanded second edition of "The Parent's Guide To Eating Disorders" includes four chapters devoted to the Maudsley approach, the highly successful, parent-assisted method for normalizing eating behavior. Of special note is the first-person account by the mother of one anorexic child who describes her daughter's recovery using the techniques developed by Dr. Herrin. Other sections of "The Parent's Guide To Eating Disorders" focus on family communications, the medical consequences of eating disorders, advice for siblings, relapse prevention, food plans, and boys who are at risk for an eating disorder. Informed and informative, "The Parent's Guide To Eating Disorders" is a very strongly recommended addition to family and community library Health & Medicine reference collections in general, and Eating Disorder supplemental reading lists in particular. ... Read more

Book Description

Sound, sensitive advice for overcoming an eating disorder

Customer Reviews (2)

Awesome...
This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about eating disorders for a class or for anyone who is suffering or has a loved one suffering with this disorder. I ordered it for a graduate class and can honestly say that this will be a book that I will keep in my library.

Excellent book
This book provides an excellent overview of many aspects of eating disorders and their treatment. Carolyn Costin is extremely insightful and knowledgable about the subject and she writes in a clear, accessible way.

The book also is full of case examples that demonstrate the theories/treatment interventions she talks about. These are usually brief and easy to understand. Both her understanding of eating disorders and the treatment interventions she uses are translateable and quite useful in the treatment of eating disordered patients. ... Read more

Book Description
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been proven effective for treating Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. However, this type of program requires at least 6 months of weekly sessions with a qualified mental health professional. If you suffer from an eating disorder and want to get treatment, but have little time to devote to therapy, a shorter, time-limited program may be right for you.This workbook outlines a Guided Self-Help (GSH) program based on the principles of CBT. Although sessions with a therapist or clinician are required, there are usually no more than 12 and each one is only 25 minutes long. You will do much of the treatment on your own using the workbook as your guide. You will learn and practice the skills you need to overcome your eating disorder and establish healthy habits, while consulting with your therapist for encouragement and support. Through daily self-monitoring of your eating patterns, and strategies such as challenging negative thoughts and formal problem-solving, you will reduce your desire to binge and purge. GSH is hard work, but the benefits are well worth it. If you have the desire and the drive, you can use this workbook to eliminate your eating disorder once and for all. ... Read more

Book Description
What to say-and what not to say-when a friend or family member has an eating disorder.

When a friend or family member shows signs of an eating disorder, the first impulse is to charge in, give advice, and fix what is wrong. But these tactics-however well-intentioned-can backfire.

This compassionate guide offers ways to tackle the tough topics of body image, media messages, physical touch, diets, and exercise-along with a special section on talking about these issues with children. It includes information about when to get professional help, how to handle emergencies, and answers to difficult questions such as "Am I too fat?" or "Is this ok to eat?" ... Read more

Book Description
Some 95% of eating disorder sufferers are girls between the ages of 12 and 25. The teen and college years are a crucial time for girls, when positive or negative views about their bodies often become manifest.

Written to eating disorder sufferers who are at this critical age, this book provides hope that, through faith and trust in God, they too can rise above the living death of eating disorders and arise as God's daughters, full of life and with a promising future.

The author tells her personal story of struggling with and defeating her eating disorder. She shares about her overweight childhood, her family-directed diets, the thrilling sense of control she got when she lost weight, and her spiral into anorexia and bulimia. When she left home to go to college, she looked forward to being on her own but fell into even more destructive eating behaviors. After she was confronted by her loved ones and hospitalized, she began the recovery process that led to the day when she could at last eat a normal meal and feel that it was okay. She highlights her relationship with God and the security that eating disorder sufferers can find in God as their loving Father, the one who created them and loves them as they are.

Each chapter includes a prayer for the sufferer, asking God's help. This book will help sufferers feel less alone, see the extreme results of uninterrupted eating disorders, understand and correct their wrong thinking, and learn to connect with and trust God while they are moving toward recovery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Engaging and full of hope
Sheryle writes a creative, heart-rending story of her battle with anorexia and bulimia and the spiritual revelation that saved her life. She transparently shares her jagged journey from bondage to freedom in a way that those who struggle with this frightening disorder will identify with.Her questions for journaling are as good as hours of therapy. Once I started reading, I could hardly put it down. I heartily recommend it.
... Read more

Book Description

Provides a compassionate and comprehensive look at this potentially fatal disorder through a multidimensional approach that incorporates nutritional, psychological, and biochemical aspects. Costin addresses questions about the cause, treatment, and prevention of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and activity disorder. Patients, families, and professionals may avail themselves of up-to-date information on treatment programs, family therapy, and support groups.

Customer Reviews (5)

Useless if you're searching for the "why"
This very thick book is full of detailed research, and chock full of studies, but completely devoid of answers to questions about why one submits to eating disorders. I bought it trying to gain some personal insight as to why I felt ruled by this behavior, and after reading this tome, am still in the dark. If you want to do a research paper and site studies, this book is for you, but if you want some insight as to what makes someone give into the compulsive/addictive behavior, definitely look elsewhere.
I gave it two stars because I didn't know how else to rate it. It was completely not what I thought it was.

excellent resource
As a student in the behavioral studies curriculum, this book has given me a tremendous amount of valuable information and insight into the field of eating disorders.It is very clear and reader-friendly!

excellent book
This is an excellent book for those who have no starting knowledge about eating disorders and professionals who are well aquainted in working with them.This comprehensive text gives insights into a variety of arenas all important in the detection, recovery, and prevention of eating disorders.

Excellent-Thoughtful-Useful
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with eating disorders I found this book very helpful, it initiated into much of the important subject matter to be reflected on in treating these illnesses; and has since served as a useful guide worth rereading and reflecting on time and time again.I saw Carolyn speak at an eating disorders conference a year ago and her strong clinical background, her personal experience, her creativity and compassion come through as clearly in this book as they did in listening to her.I highly recommend it.

highly recommended
This is an excellent source for those who already have some knowledge of eating disorders and want a more in depth look at the behaviors and histories often associated with them.For those who are new to thesubject, I recommend Mary Pipher's book Hunger Pains. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Handbook for Learning about Eating Disorders
The Handbook of Treatment for Eating Disorders is an excellent source for gaining insight into the general and specific aspects of all eating disorders.The impressive compilation of writers cover everything from thehistory of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, to various treatmentapproaches for these and other eating disorders, to special topics that arerarely explored in other eating disorder literature.Such additionaltopics include various eating-related issues with prebubertal individuals,how to address treatment refusal of patients with anorexia nervosa, andtreatment issues of those with eating disorders and personality disorders.Each chapter is well written with technical, yet clear, language leavingthe reader satisfied with the overview and anxious to explore moreliterature on the topic.Overall, the entire handbook is a comprehensiveguide to most issues in this field.I am a Masters of Social Work student,specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, and this book served asthe backbone for much of my research.I highly recommend it for anyone whowants to learn more about these issues! ... Read more

Book Description
If you suffer from Bulimia Nervosa or Binge-Eating Disorder, you know how hard it can be to change your problem behaviors surrounding food and eating. However, with the right tools and support, you can overcome your disorder and return to a healthy way of life. Based on the principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, the program described in this newly revised and updated workbook will teach you the skills you need to overcome your eating disorder and establish healthy habits. Through daily self-monitoring, you will learn to regularize you eating and expand the variety of foods that you consume. This will help you maintain a healthy weight and will reduce your desire to binge and purge. You will also learn techniques for solving problems, challenging your negative thoughts, and addressing your concerns about weight and shape. Use the workbook to share information with friends and loved ones so they can support and encourage you throughout the treatment process.When used in conjunction with visits to a qualified mental health professional, this workbook will help you realize the triggers for your disordered eating habits. Once you are able to identify them, you can eliminate them. At the end of treatment, we fully expect that you will have reduced the number of your binge eating and purging episodes, improved your body image, and gained a sense of mastery and control over your eating. ... Read more

Book Description
"Every day, meal by meal, millions of people suffer from eating disorders. I am one of them."

Nadia Shivack was fourteen years old when she met Ed, her eating disorder. Sometimes like an alien in her body, sometimes like a lover, Ed was unpredictable and exciting, but ultimately always dangerous and destructive.

At an inpatient unit unit of a hospital where she was taken for treatment, Nadia wrote and drew on napkins after meals in order to keep the food in and calm the outrageous voices in her head. These pictures, together with others drawn on notebook paper and a variety of other surfaces, tell an unflinchingly honest story of a woman's lifelong battle with anorexia and bulimia. Raw, brave, and brilliant, Nadia's journey takes readers to the intimate corners of these misunderstood diseases. You will never think about eating disorders in the same way again.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Make sure this book is in your library - it can make a difference!
As a former anorexic/bulimic, I have read a plethora of self-help books on the subject, but none that saw eating disorders from the inside out as this book does.Ironically, it wasn't until I heard back from a young library patron about how this book had comforted her that I realized that it truly is a self-help book and not just a very painful autobiography.The author puts us through at least 60 pages of living hell, and truly, she doesn't overcome her disorder as much as she learns to detatch and distance herself from it - at age 40.What is most refreshing (if anything in this book could be called that) is the humor and the mode of presentation: somewhat like "Amelia gone to Eating Disorder Hell" journals.Her talented and obsessive writing is at times concrete poetry and at other times reminiscent of Dante's Inferno, illuminating the dark corners of this obsession.There are few, if any, books that adequately portray the angst and manage to comfort sufferers: make sure this book is in your library! Includes afterword, helpful websites, acknowledgements, and a list of eating disorder factoids.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
In Nadia Shivack's heartbreaking true story, she tells the world about her life-long problem with eating disorders. Told with a mixture of text and pictures drawn by Ms. Shivack, her preoccupation with food began when her mother told her that not only did she not dress like a girl, but that she was also getting chunky. Her parents had their own problems - her father was overly critical and her mother, a Holocaust survivor, refused to let her three children leave the table until they had cleaned their plates, even though she herself only ate one small meal a day to survive.

When Nadia began swimming competitively in school, her swim coach would praise the girls who were slender and berate those who, in his opinion, needed to lose weight. She began to feel huge and unattractive, and started the cycle of abuse with restricting her diet and then binging on foods that were not allowed. It wasn't long before she met "Ed," her eating disorder - the evil alien being who took over her life.

Nadia's trouble with food was not restricted to her youth. Through high school, through college, through study programs and medication, she struggled with it her entire life. Even knowing the side effects - being unable to sleep, rotting gums from purging, being incapable of having effective relationships - it wasn't until Nadia was about to turn forty that she decided to try another treatment program.

Thankfully, Ms. Shivack did eventually overcome the horror of her eating disorder. Like many other diseases, however, she knows that this will be a lifelong struggle, something that she will always have to work at. By telling her story inside the pages of INSIDE OUT, she hopes that other people struggling with an eating disorder will realize just how serious it is, and that reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness, but of strength.

Although I've never had an eating disorder, I truly felt empowered by reading INSIDE OUT. Nadia's story could be that of any number of young people in the world today, and I hope that they all are able to come to the same realization that she was - that letting food rule your life is never a good thing.

Reviewed by:Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius" ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent presentation of complex topics
As an internist, I am a little closer to the obesity side of things but I found the entire book informative and very easy to comprehend. The chapters are purposefully short to facilitate the episodic reading that is often the only reading possible in a busy practice. I particularly like Dr. Brownell's public health and environmental approach to the problem of obesity. This textbook is a great way for the uninitiated to "catch up" on the current concepts of obesity and eating disorders. ... Read more

Book Description

A girl with an eating disorder grows up. And then what?

Customer Reviews (3)

Finally!
Finally! a beautiful, well written book about eating disorders that effect adult women, the author did not sugar coat a thing. This book is a honest inside look of adult women suffering in silence. I have read several books on the subject of eating disorders, They are always teenagers or younger. The books all say the same in how anorexics/eds are very hard to treat/usually go untreated/and the sucess rate of recovered anorexics is low. All these teenagers they are writting about obviously grow up. I dont understand why there is no mention of Adults who are still dealing with eating disorders. So when i came across this book i took a deep breath and said Finally! a book that calls out the TRUTH! adults suffer with EDS not just young people. I highly recommend this book!

The latent beast of eating disorders
Lying in Weight exposes the myth that eating disorders are time-limited ones that resolve themselves when a woman leaves the battleground of adolescence.Although eating disorders tend to have their roots in adolescence, the author convincingly argues how "An eating disorder can fit into any part of development and slowly but powerfully disrupt proper development of the whole."

A main theme of this book is that when the key psychosocial developmental milestones have not been achieved, women are more vulnerable to eating disorders during stressful life transitions.In particular, the adolescent who does not develop a solid identity is at increased risk for an eating disorder when life stresses arise during her young adulthood, pregnancy, parenting, and older adulthood phases of life. This book provides a wealth of information, understanding, and insight as to how the "latent beast" of eating disorders can surface throughout the lifespan. And, equally as important, Lying in Weight provides hope that with therapy, commitment, and resiliency, recovery is possible: for the 16 year-old struggling with anorexia, for the 65 year-old battling bulimia, and for everyone else in between.

concrete
This is one of several new books on eating disorders in adult women (as opposed to children and teenagers). The author speaks with an authentic voice and gives real examples of women who have come face-to-face with eating disorders. She makes no false promises about recovery, but gives suggestion on what someone who has one of these terrible diseases can do to improve their life. Gura also looks at the husbands/partners in an eating disordered woman's life and differentiates them by personality type.

Perhaps the most chilling statistic is the "rule of thirds": one third of women with eating disorders will recover completely, one third will never recover, and one third will achieve partial recovery. That's either two-to-one for improvement, or two-to-one against recovery. Take your pick.

Even so, her writing is eloquent, and she speaks from a place of knowledge. She doesn't sugar coat the facts. ... Read more

Book Description
This book describes the application of cognitive behavioural principles to patients with a wide range of eating disorders - it covers those with straightforward problems and those with more complex conditions or co-morbid states.The book takes a highly pragmatic view. It is based on the published evidence, but stresses the importance of individualized, principle-based clinical work. It describes the techniques within the widest clinical context, for use across the age range and from referral to discharge. Throughout the text, the links between theory and practice are highlighted in order to stress the importance of the flexible application of skills to each new situation.Case studies and sample dialogs are employed to demonstrate the principles in action and the book concludes with a set of useful handouts for patients and other tools. This book will be essential reading for all those working with eating-disordered patients including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, counsellors, dieticians, and occupational therapists. ... Read more

Book Description
More than simple cases of dieting gone awry, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are among the most fatal of mental illnesses, responsible for more deaths each year than any other psychiatric disorder. These illnesses afflict millions of young people, especially women, all over the world.Carrie Arnold developed anorexia as an adolescent and nearly lost her life to the disease. In Next to Nothing, she tells the story of her descent into anorexia, how and why she fell victim to this mysterious illness, and how she was able to seek help and recover after years of therapy and hard work. Now an adult, Arnold uses her own experiences to offer practical advice and guidance to young adults who have recently been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or who are at risk for developing one. Drawing on the expertise of B. Timothy Walsh, M.D., one of America's leading authorities on eating disorders, she reveals in easy-to-understand terms what is known and not known medically about anorexia and bulimia.The book covers such difficult topics as how to make sense of a diagnosis, the various psychotherapies available to those struggling with an eating disorder, psychiatric hospitalization, and how to talk about these illnesses to family and friends. The result is both a compelling memoir and a practical guide that will help to ease the isolation that an eating disorder can impose, showing young people how to manage and maintain their recovery on a daily basis.Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, Next to Nothing will also be a valuable resource to the friends and family of those with eating disorders. It offers much-needed hope to young people, helping them to overcome these illnesses and lead productive and healthy lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Next to Nothing
This is a book with valuable information about eating disorders. As it chonicles one woman's struggle with an eating disorder, it reviews the psychiatric and medical complications associated with eating disorders. This book also gives references about seeking help and guidance to recovery. I am a professional who works with eating disorders and I will highly recommend this book to my clients and their families.

Excellent
This book offers wonderful support and information to those suffering from an eating disorder as well as to the family and friends trying to help their loved one.The style is very engaging and easy to read, with lots of practical advice.The author draws upon her own experiences along the way.But, at the same time it includes the latest in scientific research and findings, in language that is very understandable."Next to Nothing" has it all, and is a must read for those looking to understand the complicated world of eating disorders. ... Read more

Book Description
In straightforward, clear, and pragmatic language, McFarland presents a model that focuses on strengths rather than weaknesses, on solutions rather than problems, and on hope rather than despair. Her book should be on the shelf of every clinician who works with clients who have eating problems.
--Scott D. Miller, Brief Therapy Network

Drawing from her own clinical experience, Barbara McFarland demonstrates how solution-focused brief therapy is one of the more efficient approaches in treating eating disorders. Her practical, hands on strategies and interventions guides you through each step of the treatment process.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Professionally written and practical
This is a very well written and professionally informative book.The drawback to most professional works dealing with counselling practice is the way the information is presented--often much incisive information but presented without what I term the practical thread of application.This book is written intelligently and is immensely practical, a genuine pleasure to read.The author explains why she uses solution based short therapy and then reviews other methods of counselling, discusses each area of the process with case histories of anorexics,bulimics and so on plus their family interactions.My practice involves a general medicine practice ,with large chunks of family counselling interspesed, and this book is so useful both for initial assessment and management of eating disorders and many other aspects of life for teens and adults.It cannot sort out all patient issues and there are of course, referrals onwards,but it has worked very well for many of my patients.The astounding thing for many doctors is that so many of our patients have eating issues and we can offer so much by some of the simple steps in this book, which does not assign blame to any one, but instead actually makes patients sit back in wonder and lead "alternate lives" as the book puts it.We are often so guilty of ignoring the tentative feelers put out by patients as to "other concerns" of theirs,extending beyond medication, and this book offers the best first steps and often all the steps that are required.It will not tie up hours of your time,and yet leaves you with a sense of having helped your patient beyond medication,and referring them onwards at the appropriate time if need be. I cannot recommend it highly enough. ... Read more