Customer Reviews

100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa

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As a family physician, mother, and Girl Scout leader, I am always
excited to find new tools to help our youth. 100 Questions & Answers
about Anorexia Nervosa fits the bill in all categories. Dr.
Shepphird's book is a practical, informative, accurate and thorough
resource appropriate not only for medical providers, but for patients,
family members and friends of anyone suffering from anorexia.

From the obvious but important first question, "What IS anorexia
nervosa?" to the deeper probing "My daughter recently said she just
wants to lose 'a little weight' in order to feel better about herself.
Should I be concerned?" these hundred questions tackle virtually every
aspect of an overwhelmingly prevalent disease.

Dr. Shepphird organized her book in a logical progression from an
overview, warning signs, risk factors, to exercise and body image
considerations, to treatment, recovery and advocacy. The sections are
labeled along the sides of the pages for speedy access. She includes
clear charts, visual images and screening checklists throughout the
book. Every significant medical term is bold-faced and then pulled out
and defined along the margins, allowing faster reading for clinically
educated reader while at the same time not confounding the lay-reader
with medical jargon.

Perhaps what sets Dr. Shepphird's book apart the most, however, is her
powerful integration of personal comments in every section from two
successful women who have battled anorexia. Lynn was a world-class
athlete whose victories masked her eating disorders until her poor
health ultimately ended her competitive career. Sarah is a young
college student who began her struggles with anorexia in eighth grade.
Although (or perhaps I should say instead - not surprisingly,) Sarah
excelled in dance, school, and the social scene as she strove for
perfection across the board. Her slippery slope into eating disorders
began with the "success" of losing just three pounds. These stories
truly engage the reader. In fact, my teenage daughter found herself
skipping "the other parts" and simply reading all these stories
interspersed among the Q&A.

The statistics surrounding anorexia are staggering. Anorexia has the
highest premature death rate of any mental illness and it occurs most
often in our teenagers. We're fighting societal messages that you can
never be too thin, and that skinny equals success. Adult leaders
unaware of accurate eating disorder information can easily
inadvertently worsen the self-image of their teens, especially in
weight- focused sports or mirror-surrounded dance studios. Coaches,
teachers, scout leaders, clinicians and parents can all benefit from
reading 100 Questions and Answers about Anorexia. Use Dr. Shepphird's
book to heighten your awareness of the early signs and symptoms of
eating disorders and learn productive methods to intervene. Thanks to
Dr. Shepphird for this excellent, practical resource.

A valuable additon to the literature on anorexia nervosa, this book is a go-to reference filled with useful information and insights on every aspect of this serious and complicated disorder. The engaging Q & A format, along with contributions from patients and their loved ones, creates an accessible, comprehensive, practical, and up-to-date resource. Recommended for patients, their families, and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of anorexia.

For anyone with a personal, professional, or even academic interest, Dr. Shepphird's "100 Questions and Answers about Anorexia Nervosa" provides a concise, jargon-free reference to the most pertinent questions and issues in the complex world of eating disorders. Based on the latest research as well as current, effective clinical practices, it is destined to become the essential reference for clinicians, patients, and family members. It has already taken this coveted spot in my office since the book's clear information and sensitive treatment make it invaluable as a genuine source of insight and information for those dealing with anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia is a disorder that can dominate one's life if if isn't overcome. "100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa" discusses Anorexia Nervosa, a disorder which commonly affects many young women in today's thin-driven culture. Written by a clinical psychologist with decades of experience, she provides a thorough investigation of this disorder and how to recognize the warning signs. "100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa" is a strong addition to health and self-help collections, highly recommended.

I've collaborated with eating disorder specialist Sari Shepphird, Ph.D, many times now, and she's always incredibly insightful and inspiring. So is her book, 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa. It's a valuable guide for anyone wanting to learn more about anorexia. Maybe you're trying to recover from this debilitating disorder or have a love one who is. Maybe you're a guidance counselor who'd like to know more, an athletic coach, a primary care physician or a concerned friend. Either way, this book is a great practical resource that's packed with important information. And its author has extensive experience in the eating disorder field as a clinical psychologist - almost 20 years!

There's a lot of confusing, and misleading information out there on eating disorders, but Dr. Shepphird's book provides accurate, up-to-date information, which is laid out in an easy-to-read structure and style. She debunks many pervasive myths throughout. For instance, Dr. Shepphird debunks the myths that anorexia is a choice or just a phase; and that eating will fix everything (it's part of recovery but it's important for sufferers to seek professional help).

She devotes an entire chapter to support for loved ones, with crucial questions like "how can I get through this?" when your child has been diagnosed with anorexia and "what do you hear most often from the parents of anorexia patients regarding their experiences? what can I learn from other parents who are facing the same struggles?" Parents and loved ones reading this book will really get a sense of relief, hope and, again, tons of great insight into anorexia. One of the best things you can do for a loved one is to educate yourself about the disorder, and this book gives readers the opportunity to do that.

Other things I loved about Dr. Shepphird's book: Like mentioned in earlier reviews, Dr. Shepphird includes comments from two eating disorder survivors throughout the book. Their stories help to shed light on the disorder from a patient's perspective. They help individuals better understand the disorder and help sufferers know they aren't alone (and that recovery is possible!). Dr. Shepphird also includes a list of resources for additional information. Plus, though the book covers a lot of information, it isn't overwhelming at all. The structure allows you to easily browse through it and get the answer to whatever question you need right away. You don't have to search endlessly for a certain fact. So it works as a quick reference, too.

In general, I love that Dr. Shepphird demystifies anorexia and its treatment. She provides information on what causes anorexia, the warning signs (along with a self-test for eating disorders), and effective treatments, in addition to how to choose a treatment team and how to make the most of your recovery. You'll also find a section on prevention and advocacy and what you can do, something I haven't seen other books cover.

Overall, I think this is an excellent resource that you'll come back to time and time again. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

This straightforward book offers answers to all who wish to be more informed about the diagnosis, treatment and experience of anorexia. The author, Dr. Sari Sheppherd, offers tremendous insight and help to families, loved ones, professionals and eating disorder sufferers. A must read!

Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC
Founder of Eating Disorder Hope
[...]

I really liked this book. It answered all of my questions and even included things that I never thought about before. It is really clear and helpful and I feel a lot more informed now about anorexia. I like the question and answer format and it is packed with information.

The book is divided into sections, each with answers to questions. The sections are Overview of anorexia nervosa; Weight loss and other warning signs; Risk factors; Special Considerations; Exercise and Athletes; Body Image Concerns; Support for Loved Ones; Weight Restoration, nutrition and healthy eating; Treatment and recovery; Prevention and advocacy.

Each section was very helpful and informative.

Having gone through anorexia myself, I have read nearly every book on the subject that I could find over the past 20 years. This book held my interest to the end and I learned aspects about the disorder that I never knew or considered. Dr. Shepphird addresses the key questions about anorexia with a mix of sound, scientific objectivity and real compassion. Here is someone who really understands, and bridges the shame and embarrassment factors so common in eating disorders. These are exactly the questions that would have been of most help to me when I was struggling in the disease. This book provides understanding and hope to those who suffer, as well as guidance, direction, and resources for recovery.

Here are some of the editorial reviews from the front cover:

"100 Questions and answers about Anorexia Nervosa is full of good information. It is practical and easy to read and it answers many of the most frequently asked questions in an easy to understand, non-judgemental, and straightforward way. It should be on the bookshelf of every high school and public library in the counry; it should be made available to all clinicians, educators and community members who work with youth. Parents and loved ones should be given a copy when they are just beginning the journey into recovery from anorexia. Thank you Dr Shepphird!" - Excerpt from the Foreword by Kitty Westin -founder, Anna Westin Foundation (now the Emily Program Foundation) President, Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy and Action

"Comprehensive, solid, detailed, very well researched, and well written, 100 questions and Answerws about Anorexia Nervosa provides the most up to date treatment approaches and explains clearly what individuals and families should know in trying to find treatment for themselves or their loved one. The emphasis here is on realistic, positive solutions. The author has a masterful command of this serious illness and through questions and detailed answers, Dr. Shepphird gives the reader a vast fund of knowledge, and most importantly hope, in tackling and resolving this disorder at a personal level." From Richard Sherman, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Tarzana, Califorina, Past President, California Psycholgical Association.

"An extremely enlightening book, 100 Questions and Answers About Anorexia Nervosa is going to be a wonderful resource for eating disorder patients and their families. It is easy to read, very informative, and goes over many of the most common questions that are aked by people about anorexia nervosa and eating disorders with added beneficial information." From Ellen Reiss-Goldfarb, RD Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist, Los Angeles, California.

This is a brand new book dealing in depth with a subject that should be better understood by anybody and everybody who has an interest in health - and who doesn't. Anorexia Nervosa can be a crippling, debilitating condition which may lead to death and does so much, much more frequently than I have ever realized. This is the definitive book for the lay person and also for people in the medical field who have any interest in dietary disorders. It goes into sufficient depth so the reader will know and understand this dangerous disease. But not only is this book informative, it also is very, very well written. I basically couldn't put it down. This book is highly recommended for it's content and because it is simply a great read.

Wish I didn't have to purchase this book, but it was a comprehensive book for all knowledge levels. I read it all the way through, and I'll refer back to it many times in the future, I'm sure. I also recommended this book for family members.