Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa

Alexander R. Lucas, MD, is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and former Head of the Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic. For forty years he has been a recognized authority on anorexia, with a practice that drew patients from around the world.

• 1. What is Anorexia Nervosa? ; 2. How does Anorexia Nervosa evolve? ; 3. How common is Anorexia Nervosa? ; 4. What causes Anorexia Nervosa? ; 5. The signs of trouble ; 6. What to expect in an evaluation ; 7. Making the diagnosis ; 8. Disorders that mimic Anorexia Nervosa ; 9. Physiological effects of starvation and weight gain ; 10. How is fertility affected? ; 11. Bulimia, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating ; 12. Treatment ; 13. Is recovery possible? ; 14. Can Anorexia Nervosa be prevented? ; Message for patients ; Resources for families

"Dr. Andy Lucas demystifies anorexia by providing us with the fascinating mysteries of clinical cases (and their solutions) along with the equally fascinating mysteries of his research efforts (and their results). A clear, informative book for every patient and parent to read and for every physician to recommend."--Lenore Terr, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco"Dr. Lucas has infused an immense amount of wisdom and experience into this highly readable book. A must-read for patients and family as well as clinicians who want a concise, balanced, and up-to-date discussion of the art and science of the treatment of anorexia nervosa."--L. K. George Hsu, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Tufts-New England Medical Center"Andy Lucas has written an excellent book that respects the individuality of the patient with anorexia nervosa while offering sage advice, reassurance, and hope to their parents. Highly recommended."--James C. Harris, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics and Director of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine"Dr. Andy Lucas demystifies anorexia by providing us with the fascinating mysteries of clinical cases (and their solutions) along with the equally fascinating mysteries of his research efforts (and their results). A clear, informative book for every patient and parent to read and for every physician to recommend."--Lenore Terr, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco"Dr. Lucas has infused an immense amount of wisdom and experience into this highly readable book. A must-read for patients and family as well as clinicians who want a concise, balanced, and up-to-date discussion of the art and science of the treatment of anorexia nervosa."--L. K. George Hsu, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Tufts-New England Medical Center"Andy Lucas has written an excellent book that respects the individuality of the patient with anorexia nervosa while offering sage advice, reassurance, and hope to their parents. Highly recommended."--James C. Harris, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics and Director of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine"Using case studies describing real patients to illustrate his points, Lucas views anorexia as a medical illness with a range of treatment options and explores each option carefully. Although he writes primarily about anorexia, his chapters on disorders that mimic anorexia and those on bulimia are also useful. The book will be valuable for the well-educated parent facing a family crisis and ready to read at length about the illness."--Library Journal