This second edition updates the 1983 work (“a gem”—Booklist) with a wealth of new information. The author, a therapist and recovered anorexic, draws upon her own experience and extensive research to produce a comprehensive account of the symptoms, causes and treatments of anorexia nervosa. She illuminates the anorexic’s paradox—self-annihilation in service of self-preservation—and the central task of recovery: development of a Self. The author addresses the origins and attributes of anorexia and accompanying disorders, the use and misuse of the Internet, and the concept of recovery. She addresses different therapies in detail, as well as therapies for families and interventions. A directory of organizations, a list of resources for information and referral, a bibliography and index are included. Review Quotes: “Rumney succinctly synthesizes current understanding of anorexia and offers her own case…cogently explains what constitutes a cure…a gem”—Booklist “considerably updated…an excellent overview from a uniquely knowledgeable, qualified, and hopeful perspective. Essential”—Choice “compelling insider information…Rumney does an especially good job of combining personal anecdote with fact. Recovered and recovering anorexics will especially be drawn to the book”—Library Journal “interweaving the insights of her own personal story of recovery with decades of clinical experience, Rumney provides a powerful treatment manual for anorexia nervosa. An excellent source for individuals in recovery and their families, as well as students, this book thoroughly describes the multidimensional aspects of this disorder and recovery from it.”—Leigh Cohn, MAT, CEDS, Editor-in-Chief, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention “Avis Rumney guides readers on a journey of understanding anorexia from the inside out in this comprehensive and well-researched second edition.”—Caroyln Costin, MA, MEd., MFT, CEDS Director, Monte Nido Treatment Center and Affiliates, and author, Eating Disorder Sourcebook “interesting…useful…thorough…impressive…helpful…well-organized…a book to recommend to others”—Journal of Pediatric Psychology “a first-rate work…thoroughly documented”—Small Press Review “personal and comprehensive”—Parents Press “detailed…precise”—American Anorexia/Bulimia Association Newsletter “well organized…in-depth…informative”—Eating Disorders Foundation of California “well-balanced…insightful…well worth reading”—Science Books & Films Table of Contents: Acknowledgments v Preface to the Second Edition 1 Introduction 7 Part One: Anorexia 1. The Paradox of Self-Annihilation in Service of Self-Preservation 11 2. What Is Anorexia and What Causes It? 16 What Is Anorexia Nervosa? 16 How Prevalent Is Anorexia Nervosa? 17 What Causes Anorexia Nervosa? 17 Is Anorexia an Addiction? 23 3. Uses and Misuses of the Internet 25 4. Disorders That May Accompany Anorexia 28 Depression 28 Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders 29 Body Dysmorphic Disorder 31 Bulimia Nervosa 32 Alcohol or Drug Addiction 32 Personality Disorders 33 5. Some Attributes of Anorexia 34 Perfectionism 34 Competition 38 Unresolved Grief 43 Immature Sexuality and Relationships 50 Distortion of Body Image 61 Part Two: Treatment and Recovery 6. Understanding Recovery 75 What Constitutes Cure? 75 Challenges in Evaluating Recovery 76 The Foundation of Recovery: Development of a Coherent Sense of Self 81 My Journey Towards Self-Development 83 7. Approaching Treatment 89 Essential Components in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa 89 Considerations in Treatment 90 Aspects of Treatment 91 8. Therapy for an Anorexic 98 Psychotherapeutic Modalities 98 Experiential Modalities 113 Psychopharmacology 137 9. Therapy for Families and Family Members 143 Family Therapy 143 Therapy for Individual Family Members 148 10. 12-Step Programs 155 11. Intervention 161 Epilogue 167 Appendix A. Treatment Centers for Eating Disorders 169 Appendix B. Resources for Information and Referral 176 Bibliography 179 Internet References 186 Index 187 About the Author: Avis Rumney is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an Eating Disorder Specialist, and a Certified Interventionist in private practice in Marin County, California. More information on eating disorders can be found at her website AvisRumney.com. |