Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa

Emotionally and physically devastating, anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness in teenage girls, striking one in every two hundred (boys only make up 10% of all cases). And while there are many books on the subject, most are either personal accounts of recovery or attempts to explain the disease from only one perspective, be it psychoanalytic, behavioral, cultural, or biological. Now, in this much-needed resource, Dr. Alexander
Lucas draws on 40 years of experience mostly at the Mayo Clinic to offer clear guidance and authoritative advice on how to overcome anorexia nervosa. Based on his own unique research with thousands of
patients, and striking a careful balance between psychological, cultural, and biological approaches, Dr. Lucas demystifies this seemingly irrational disease and guides parents through the harrowing process of recovery. The book defines anorexia, illustrates how it can evolve and how common it really is, and outlines every part of the treatment process, from the early warning signs that parents should watch out for, to the initial evaluation, to specific treatment plans. Dr. Lucas emphasizes the
patient’s role in defining the healing process, with the support of the family and medical team. Throughout the book, he counsels optimism, stressing that in spite of the destructive power of the
disease, most who suffer from anorexia nervosa fully recover and are able to live normal, healthy, and productive lives. In his new Introduction, Dr. Lucas stresses the need for controlled studies of treatment in anorexia nervosa, and reiterates the hard truth that anorexia will always be a complex disorder that takes time and patience to overcome. For anyone seeking level-headed, medically sound, and comprehensive guidance on the most effective treatments for this
life-threatening disorder, Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa offers a wealth of reliable, reassuring information. “A clear, informative book for every patient and parent to read and for every
physician to recommend.” —Lenore Terr, M.D. “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.

Author Biography

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.