Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders [Paperback]

Ulrike Schmidt (Author), Janet Treasure (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0863773222 | ISBN-13: 978-0863773228

Easy to read and illustrated with many real-life examples, this book addresses the specific problems faced on a daily basis by bulimia sufferers.

The only self-help programme that has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial, it provides detailed step-by-step advice for dealing with this condition.

Unlike other less problem-oriented books currently available on the subject, this book concentrates on the key behaviour changes necessary for the sufferer to achieve a happier and more fulfilled life. Theory is closely interwoven with practice and the book draws together real problems and solutions experienced by hundreds of sufferers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... clearly written, from a wealth of practical experience, and does indeed provide the sufferer with a 'survival kit' on the road to recovery. It can be recommended not only to sufferers, but to professionals dealing with these patients, and to family and friends who wish to become involved in the recovery process." - Anne Ward, Behaviour Research Therapy

"... an excellent book, and a model for self-help manuals. The basics of bulimia nervosa and other binge eating disorders are explained in clear and simple language." - Padma de Silva, Sexual and Marital Therapy

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863773222
• ISBN-13: 978-0863773228
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,385,929 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:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, August 16, 2004

By 

London reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders (Paperback)

I found this poorly written as well as patronising and insensitive. The authors seem to treat readers as if they are stupid - it has the tone of a textbook for school children. It is very much in the style of psychcologist lecturing mentally ill patient. There is a poor level of detail - issues are glossed over with no attention given to exceptions or complexity -just primary level basics. The worst aspect of the book is its complete insensitivity to the feelings of eating disorder sufferers. For one thing, there is a weight chart right at the start of the book, which in itself focuses attention on losing weight rather than being healthy. This weight chart actually is not accurate, at least, it does not follow the BMI chart - it recommends a maximum weight lower than a BMI of 25. I found this pretty shocking. The advice given to anyone with a BMI over 24 is quite unkind, basically it says if this is you, turn to the chapter called 'Jack Spratt's Wife' (ie fat people) which has been written specially for you. Then chapter titles and section titles are flippant and cliche ridden. There is nothng I would call real and humane to hold onto. Bulemia and anorexia are jumbled into one interchangeable thing when really they are very different. The patronising way the whole book is written makes you feel bad about yourself and without hope. It makes me wonder how the authors can practise - they seem rather overconfident when they seem to have very little understanding.

My therapist recommended this book for my partner to understand my eating disorder, however I was disappointed that there is little to no information for people helping someone with this disorder. There is a chapter supposedly about the wider network of friends, family etc, but having briefly (2 paragraphs or so) discussed how parents can get involved, it goes on to address sexual relationships. Great, I thought, now some advice for my partner. But here they suddenly start writing about sexual abuse and what to do if you are afraid of sex (again, too briefly to be of any use even if fear of sex is your problem). It all seemed very disorganised and vague.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've converted from being a self help cynic, May 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders (Paperback)

This book is decent in the way that it helps you to gain perspective and look at your eating problems from bizarre (and sometimes helpful) angles. The authors clearly understand the eating disordered person very well, which is also a bonus. The book is filled with small steps towards recovery, including several 'tasks' to help you analyse and help yourself. Obviously, not every single exercise helps everyone, but even I found plenty to tackle. I honestly recommend this book to anyone with bulimia or binge eating - it's straight talking, sensitive and guides you through without expecting too much.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I'm offended by the title, September 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: GETTING BETTER BIT(E) BYSEE PBED (E By Bit) (Hardcover)

As a sufferer of anorexia I must share my disgust with the title of this book. Once again, it implies via the title that EATING will cure our anorexia. The anorexic community is fed up with 'therapists' who actually believe we will be all better if only we EAT. Oh excuse me, what was I thinking? Yes of course, how stupid of me, I just need to EAT - thank you for pointing that out to me. GOOD GRIEF. Eating has virtually nothing to do with anorexia. It's NOT about eating. It's about control issues. Not eating is just a symptom. When will the health providers (what a joke) ever figure out what we all know so well about anorexia. I'd never buy this book based on it's insensitive title.