Anatomy of Anorexia

A VERY deep, compelling, and wonderful read. It has mini-stories of girls he has helped and what went on in their life to cause the eating disorder. He uses these examples to back up his theories about the why's of anorexia. This is SUCH a good book and it helped me understand myself better. My father read it too and it very pleased with it and feels like he knows me better because of it. This book is a definite and worth every penny to buy it; it is a good resource to have on hands.

Brilliant, elegantly written and insightful, Anatomy of Anorexiaby Steven Levenkron offers a panoramic view beyond most medical treatises and personal accounts on Anorexia. For parents, the medical community and laypersons seeking to understand this seemingly unfathomable condition, this book sheds light on the ever present and haunting question, "Why would a seemingly healthy child or young adult purposely starve?" If you're searching for answers to the poignant questions surrounding this disorder, Anatomy of Anorexia provides more than clues and theories. This book reveals a path that may very well lead to the light at the end of the dark tunnel for patients, families and caregivers dealing with this wrenching and heart breaking disorder. This is an invaluble guide that fills a need not completely met by other books on anorexia nervosa. I agree with a previous reviewer that this book may not be suitable reading for some sufferers of anorexia. The knowledge within could prove to be a two-edged sword for the patient who hasn't fully embraced the long journey to recovery.

I've been teaching young adults on the college level for a couple of years now, and in that short amount of time, several of my female students have confided that they've struggled with eating disorders. This book helped me to understand what they went through, and it therefore has my unequivocal recommendation. The strength of this book is that its author has written such a clear, easy-to-understand dissection the anatomy of anorexia. Levenkron analyzes factors contributing to anorexia; its effects on victims, their families, and friends; and several treatments. He uses explanations and case-study examples to demystify a disease that often seems inexplicable, making this a useful book for anyone who wants a clearer picture of anorexia.Readers will come to understand the mental nature of anorexia as Levenkron does: as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This concept is critical for family members and friends of anorexics to understand, for, as Levenkron states, it is impossible for anyone but a professional to cure an anorexic. His major point: that the longer anorexia goes untreated, the more it strengthens its grasp on its victims, underscoring the need for *professional* help as early as possible. Therefore, if you think someone you know has an eating disorder, don't understand why, and don't know what to do about it, then this book is for you.

As a recovering anorexic, I found Dr. Levenkron's insight into this disease almost frighteningly accurate. He was not only right on with his descriptions of the stages of anorexia-- I couldn't stop nodding as I was reading-- but he managed to put words to things I've felt/am still feeling, but have been unable to verbalize. With his emphasis on listing the weights of his patients, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone not yet ready for recovery. But for family, friends and those fighting their way out of this disease, Anotomy of Anorexia is excellent.

A wonderful book for those professionals beginning to work in the field, or those simply interested in knowing more about this complex disorder. Definately not a book for individuals currently battling Anorexia, Levenkron outlines major therapeutic crises and complications, and applies them to his own experiences with clients. The language is very plain and straightforward, but requires some knowledge of basic psychotherapy. An excellent book to add to your library.