Anatomy of Anorexia [Paperback]

Steven Levenkron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

"Invaluable to clinicians, parents, teenagers, and adults who are struggling with anorexia." —Lynn E. Ponton, M.D.

Anatomy of Anorexia is a tremendous tool for families: now more than ever, early diagnosis and treatment, and family participation, are crucial in helping the anorexic. Preeminent therapist Steven Levenkron demystifies this life-threatening disease and shows how the millions of girls and women who are afflicted with anorexia can be helped—and can look forward to rich and productive lives. "The nation’s premier expert in treating anorexia has written the nation’s premier book for parents, relatives, and friends of young women afflicted with this life-threatening disease."—Joseph A. Califano Jr., president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare "[Levenkron’s] insights, descriptions of family relationships, and treatment recommendations for therapists create a rich, deep, and most helpful guide for a community of people whose lives are deeply and painfully affected by this persistent illness."—Samuel C. Klagsbrun, M.D.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to the author, a psychotherapist who has treated close to 300 anorexics and written widely in the field (Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa, etc.), this very serious mental illness, which chiefly afflicts teenage girls, has a recovery rate of only 25%-35%. Because current health care policies severely limit hospitalization for anorexia, Levenkron concentrates on the importance of detecting early symptoms. Drawing on case studies from his practice, he outlines the progressive physical and psychological stages that, if unchecked, lead inexorably to life-threatening weight loss. Reacting to a societal obsession with thinness, adolescent girls at first delight in the sense of achievement they feel after successfully dieting away a few pounds. For some, it can lead to a compulsion to lose even more weight by engaging in rigorous exercise programs and severely restricting calories. When those close to a girl express concern about her thinness, the anorexic typically responds by aggressively defending her behavior, often frightening her parents--who usually wish to avoid exacerbating the situation--into leaving her alone. The anorexic now considers her thin body a special accomplishment and resists all efforts to make her gain weight. In this clearly written and informative study, Levenkron reviews several treatment options, including individual, group and family psychotherapy, self-help groups and behavior modification, as well as medication and hospitalization when necessary, and emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment to the complex and highly individualized needs of each anorexic. He recommends combining professional treatment with altering negative family dynamics when possible--even between divorced parents--and fostering an atmosphere of communication and trust. Agent, Olga Wieser. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Invaluable to clinicians, parents, teenagers, and adults who are struggling with anorexia. -- Lynn E. Ponton, M.D.

[A] rich, deep, and most helpful guide for...people whose lives are deeply and painfully affected by this persistent illness. -- Samuel C. Klagsbrun, M.D.

[T]he nation's premier book for parents, relatives, and friends of young women afflicted with this life-threatening disease. -- Joseph A. Califano Jr., president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University and former US Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393321010
• ISBN-13: 978-0393321012
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, Concise, Detailed, and Engaging, July 13, 2000

By 

Michael Armey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anatomy of Anorexia (Hardcover)

A wonderful book for those professionals beginning to work in the field, or those simply interested in knowing more about this complex disorder. Definately not a book for individuals currently battling Anorexia, Levenkron outlines major therapeutic crises and complications, and applies them to his own experiences with clients. The language is very plain and straightforward, but requires some knowledge of basic psychotherapy. An excellent book to add to your library.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, comprehensive, and useful., April 17, 2002

By 

Rebecca (Salem, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anatomy of Anorexia (Paperback)

I've been teaching young adults on the college level for a couple of years now, and in that short amount of time, several of my female students have confided that they've struggled with eating disorders. This book helped me to understand what they went through, and it therefore has my unequivocal recommendation.

The strength of this book is that its author has written such a clear, easy-to-understand dissection the anatomy of anorexia. Levenkron analyzes factors contributing to anorexia; its effects on victims, their families, and friends; and several treatments. He uses explanations and case-study examples to demystify a disease that often seems inexplicable, making this a useful book for anyone who wants a clearer picture of anorexia.

Readers will come to understand the mental nature of anorexia as Levenkron does: as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This concept is critical for family members and friends of anorexics to understand, for, as Levenkron states, it is impossible for anyone but a professional to cure an anorexic.

His major point: that the longer anorexia goes untreated, the more it strengthens its grasp on its victims, underscoring the need for *professional* help as early as possible. Therefore, if you think someone you know has an eating disorder, don't understand why, and don't know what to do about it, then this book is for you.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible insight, August 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Anatomy of Anorexia (Hardcover)

As a recovering anorexic, I found Dr. Levenkron's insight into this disease almost frighteningly accurate. He was not only right on with his descriptions of the stages of anorexia-- I couldn't stop nodding as I was reading-- but he managed to put words to things I've felt/am still feeling, but have been unable to verbalize. With his emphasis on listing the weights of his patients, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone not yet ready for recovery. But for family, friends and those fighting their way out of this disease, Anotomy of Anorexia is excellent.