Anorexia Nervosa
Abstract: A text on anorexia nervosa for mental health practitioners, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, presents a comprehensive, multidimensional model for understanding and treating this syndrome. The etiology and perpetuation of anorexia nervosa encompasses a broad range of physiologic, psychologic, sociocultural, and familial factors. The 12 chapters of the text offer a detailed clinical picture of this disease and criteria for its diagnosis. Various subclasses of this syndrome (e.g., bulimia are characterized, and significant changes in hypothalmic pituitary gland function are described. The authors present data that anorexia nervosa is increasing in older as well as younger women, across different social classes. The interrelationship among body image distortions, interoceptive disturbances and the sense of personal ineffectiveness experienced by anorexics is clarified. The potential role of the family for fostering the development of anorexia is stressed. A comprehensive, individualized treatment plan is presented. (wz).