Eating Disorders
Conclusion
Eating disorders are potentially life threatening, resulting in death for as many as 10 percent of those who develop them. They can also cause considerable psychological distress and major physical complications. Important relationships are eroded as the eating disorder takes up time and energy, brings about self-absorption, and impairs self-esteem. Treatment should be initiated as quickly as possible, focus upon the immediate distress experienced by the individual, and aim to help the patient and family become powerful enough to overcome the eating disorder.
See also: CHILDHOOD, STAGES OF: ADOLESCENCE; DEPRESSION: CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS; FOOD; HEALTH AND FAMILIES; SELF-ESTEEM; SEXUALITY IN ADOLESCENCE; THERAPY: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS; THERAPY: PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Bibliography
Brownell, K., and Fairburn, C. (2001). Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Comprehensive Handbook, 2nd edition. New York: Guilford Press.
Bryant-Waugh, R., and Lask, B. (1999). Eating Disorders: A Parent's Guide. London: Penguin.
Fallon, P.; Katzman, M.; and Wooley, S. (1993). Feminist Perspective on Eating Disorders. New York: Guilford Press.
Lask, B., and Bryant-Waugh, R. (2000). Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.
Maine, M. (1991). Father Hunger: Fathers, Daughters and Food. Carlsbad, CA: Gurze Books.
Pate, J. E.; Pumariega, A. J.; Hester, C.; and Garner, D. M. (1992). "Cross-Cultural Patterns in Eating Disorders: A Review." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 31:802–808.
Schmidt, U., and Treasure, J. (1993). Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Guide for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders. Hove, UK: Psychology Press.
Siegel, M.; Brisman, J.; and Weinshel, M. (1988). Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Families and Friends. New York: Harper and Row.
Wolf, N. (1991). The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty are Used against Women. New York: William Morrow.
BRYAN LASK
Additional topics
Marriage and Family EncyclopediaFamily Health IssuesEating Disorders - Who Develops Eating Disorders, How Culture Contributes, The Family's Role, Treatment, Conclusion