Eating disorders are widely recognised as having many serious (some even life-threatening) consequences for one's physical and psychological well-being. A whole variety of different therapies, tools and approaches to treatment are currently available for treating these complex conditions. Key examples include: Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, medication (antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics) and self-help guides.
- About the Author
- Who is 'Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery' aimed at?
- Part one: Introduction to eating disorders
- Part two: Issues commonly associated with eating disorders
- Part three: Self-help for recovery
- Part four: Advice for parents of eating disorder sufferers
Author Dr Kate Middleton
Author of 'Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery' Dr Kate Middleton is Director of the organisation Anorexia and Bulimia Care. This charity works to support all those who are suffering from eating disorders. Middleton has a professional background in both medicine and psychology as well as a special interest in the field of eating disorders and associated conditions.
Who is 'Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery' aimed at?
This book is primarily aimed at sufferers as it provides essential, easy to follow information on the nature of eating disorders and the key stages involved in achieving a healthy recovery. Relatives and friends of sufferers will also find it a helpful way of understanding the condition. in addition there is a special section specifically aimed at educating parents on how best to support children affected by eating disorders.
Part one: Introduction to Eating Disorders
This first part of the book focuses on understanding eating disorders including bulimia, anorexia and EDNOS. Physical and psychological implications associated with each disorder are explored in detail as well as potential causes and underlying factors. A particularly helpful section is chapter three which explains exactly how ineffective and harmful purging methods are, such as laxative abuse, diuretics and self-induced vomiting.
Part two: Issues Commonly Associated with Eating Disorders
Part two highlights the negative thinking patterns (catastrophizing, black and white thinking and mind-reading) common to individuals affected by eating disorders and also introduces Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In addition the subject of perfectionism is explored as well as associated problems including anxiety, self-harm and addictions such as alcoholism.
Part three: Self-Help for Recovery
This section offers those affected by eating disorders a fantastic, in-depth insight into what recovery actually involves and encourages the reader to think for themselves as to how they define their own recovery. Concerns one might have about seeing their family doctor as well as further treatment including medication and hospitalisation are also examined. Chapter twelve is extremely helpful as it provides key information on normal eating patterns and suggestions on how one may change one's eating behaviours.
Part four: Advice for Parents of Eating Disorder Sufferers
The final section of the book provides essential information and sound advice for parents on how best to help and support children suffering from eating disorders. Particularly useful at the back of this part are the two real life accounts of parents who share their experiences of supporting a child through the illness to recovery.
To conclude, 'Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery' is an excellent, very readable and supportive book for both parents and sufferers alike. Anyone who is wishing to better understand the subject of eating disorders will certainly benefit from reading this book.
Middleton, K. (2007) Eating Disorders: The Path to Recovery Oxford: Lion Hudson
ISBN: 978-0-7459-5278-9
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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