Inside Anorexia

Acknowledgements. 1. Living with Anorexia Nervosa: What is anorexia?; History of anorexia; How common is anorexia?; What causes anorexia?; How is anorexia treated?; Recovering from anorexia. 2. 'The Best Anorexic': The Story of Angela, Maureen, Mike, Dan, and Martha: Physical effects of anorexia; Anorexia: Part of an eating continuum?; Re-feeding the starving body; The effect of anorexia on siblings; The effect of anorexia on parents. 3. 'Fat Attack': The Story of Carol, Lynne, John, Ben, and Shane: Searching for a cause; Co-educational versus single sex schools; Body image; Anorexic behaviors. 4. 'If You're Not the Girl With Anorexia Then Who Are You?': The Story of Kate, Margie, Carl, Donna, Lucas, Joseph, and Reuben: Schools and the prevention of anorexia; Males with anorexia; Psychiatric problems associated with anorexia; Family therapy. 5. 'The Problem Isn't You, It's the Anorexia': The Story of Hannah, Laura, Peter, and Luke. Effects of starvation; Influence of siblings; Support networks for parents and carers; Advice from parents and carers. 6. 'Tough Love': The Story of Jo, Julie, Michael, and Sam: School culture and anorexia; Pro-ana websites; Compulsory treatment. 7. 'Ahah, Anorexia Nervosa!': The Story of Antonia, Alice, Alan, and Aaron: Facts and fictions of sexual abuse; Anorexia in different cultural and ethnic groups; The experience of hospitalization; Challenges of diagnosing anorexia. 8. 'It Can Happen to the Nicest Families': The Story of Ruth, Beth, David, and Callum: Healthism; Challenges in treating anorexia; Parents, guilt and blame; Relationships between people with anorexia; Supporting parents. 9. 'It's All Up to Me Now': The Story of Renee, Elizabeth, Pat, and Ryan: The meaning of food; Religion and spirituality; Media and anorexia; Readiness for recovery. 10. Conclusion. International Advisory Panel. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

The full extent of anorexia and its effect on families is very well presented, so I think that anybody who was struggling with the complexity of the issues surrounding anorexia might well feel less isolated after reading this book... Inside Anorexia is worth a read.