Inside Anorexia

Dr Christine Halse is an Associate Professor in Education and Chief Investigator of the multi-disciplinary, multi-method Australian Research Council project, Multiple Perspectives of Eating Disorders in Girls, at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Her research and publications on anorexia nervosa have addressed biographical, clinical and ethical issues. Dr Anne Honey is Senior Researcher with the Multiple Perspectives of Eating Disorders in Girls project at the University of Western Sydney and has a background in mental health research and occupational therapy. Dr Desiree Boughtwood is a counselor. Her doctorate, titled Anorexia Nervosa in the Clinic, examined teenage girls' experiences of hospitalization for anorexic nervosa.

This book is a valuable resource that achieves that rare blend of theory research and professional practice and is highly readable and accessible.

• Acknowledgements. 1. Living with Anorexia Nervosa: What is anorexia?; History of anorexia; How common is anorexia?; What causes anorexia?; How is anorexia treated?; Recovering from anorexia. 2. `The Best Anorexic': The Story of Angela, Maureen, Mike, Dan, and Martha: Physical effects of anorexia; Anorexia: Part of an eating continuum?; Re-feeding the starving body; The effect of anorexia on siblings; The effect of anorexia on parents. 3. `Fat Attack': The Story of Carol, Lynne, John, Ben, and Shane: Searching for a cause; Co-educational versus single sex schools; Body image; Anorexic behaviors. 4. `If You're Not the Girl With Anorexia Then Who Are You?': The Story of Kate, Margie, Carl, Donna, Lucas, Joseph, and Reuben: Schools and the prevention of anorexia; Males with anorexia; Psychiatric problems associated with anorexia; Family therapy. 5. `The Problem Isn't You, It's the Anorexia': The Story of Hannah, Laura, Peter, and Luke. Effects of starvation; Influence of siblings; Support networks for parents and carers; Advice from parents and carers. 6. `Tough Love': The Story of Jo, Julie, Michael, and Sam: School culture and anorexia; Pro-ana websites; Compulsory treatment. 7. `Ahah, Anorexia Nervosa!': The Story of Antonia, Alice, Alan, and Aaron: Facts and fictions of sexual abuse; Anorexia in different cultural and ethnic groups; The experience of hospitalization; Challenges of diagnosing anorexia. 8. `It Can Happen to the Nicest Families': The Story of Ruth, Beth, David, and Callum: Healthism; Challenges in treating anorexia; Parents, guilt and blame; Relationships between people with anorexia; Supporting parents. 9. `It's All Up to Me Now': The Story of Renee, Elizabeth, Pat, and Ryan: The meaning of food; Religion and spirituality; Media and anorexia ; Readiness for recovery. 10. Conclusion. International Advisory Panel. References. Subject Index. Author Index.