Customer Reviews

Anatomy of Anorexia

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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.

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.

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.

Brilliant, elegantly written and insightful, Anatomy of Anorexia
by Steven Levenkron offers a panoramic view beyond most medical treatises and personal accounts on Anorexia. For parents, the medical community and laypersons seeking to understand this seemingly unfathomable condition, this book sheds light on the ever present and haunting question, "Why would a seemingly healthy child or young adult purposely starve?" If you're searching for answers to the poignant questions surrounding this disorder, Anatomy of Anorexia provides more than clues and theories. This book reveals a path that may very well lead to the light at the end of the dark tunnel for patients, families and caregivers dealing with this wrenching and heart breaking disorder. This is an invaluble guide that fills a need not completely met by other books on anorexia nervosa. I agree with a previous reviewer that this book may not be suitable reading for some sufferers of anorexia. The knowledge within could prove to be a two-edged sword for the patient who hasn't fully embraced the long journey to recovery.

This book was had lots of examples of his patients in it and the different types. Steven Levenkron explained anorexia very simply yet well. It is good for both readers who know about the disorder and people who are new to it. It is very comprehensive and breaks up the aspects of anorexia into different sections that are easier to manage.

I shared this book with my therapist because while I am a "recovered" anorexic, I still have occasional relapses. When I had one recently, I bought this book and devoured it. So much of the passages in the book spoke to me, and resonated with my own thoughts and feelings, that I felt it was vital to my therapy progress to discuss it. The main points that stood out were how much of an impact parental behavior can have on a child even if it's unintentional; that the nature of anorexia causes the sufferer to lock into very rigid thought and belief patterns that are extremely difficult to break.

Before others immediately criticize Levenkron for his ego and self-congratulatory attitude, think about the fact that treating anorexics is nigh-impossible, and any doctor who has found a method that works *should* be proud and should be congratulated. Anorexia and bulimia are hateful, destructive illnesses that are notoriously hard to treat. It's really akin to alcoholism. If he can help his patients, bully for him.

Not only it is easy to read but Dr.Levenkron's strong direct words and true knowledge of Anorexia Nervosa would lead the readers understand better this very sad condition. If you were suffering from anorexia nervosa, the words might hurt your sensitive feelings and tears would fall down at times as they could be too straight forward to you but you'd be okay. If you are family member of the sufferer, it's hard but you'll find this book very helpful and can try to understand what may be happening to your loved one. If you are one of those therapists/psychiatrists or any medical personnel who may still believe like some media that most of the anorexia patients started on a simple diet (not so)and can't stop, I strongly recommend to read this book and you may understand what anorexia nervosa really is. Also "Stolen Tomorrows" & "Cutting" as I feel they are usually all connected. I've reached out to many books, yet Dr.Levenkron's was the most helpful.

Well, going by the words written inside the book, maybe you are a skilled healer. Yet, truth has we know is often stranger then fiction. Ha, that's the catch. With a super sized ego, therapy somehow gets swept under the rug. Something to think about, what is more imperative? Healing those brave souls, who put there trust in your hands. No, I think not. Let's go with the flashier option. Having a name that is known, being the nations premier expert. Pity fame wins out, over soul and consience. Steven Levenkron, looks like you have done it again.