Product Description

Clearly and sensitively written, this exciting book covers all aspects of diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Zerbe, an internationally esteemed feminist psychiatrist, interlaces intelligent discussion with stories about individuals who have valiantly, though often at first reluctantly, engaged in recovery. Particularly appropriate for parents and loved ones who want a thorough understanding of eating disorders, The Body Betrayed specifically addresses mother/daughter and father daughter relationships, as well as explaining how a child with an eating disorder affects family dynamics.

Also included in this in-depth look at eating disorders are chapters on the impact of sexual and physical abuse, the relationship between eating disorders and chemical dependency, medical complications, the biology of nutrition, pregnancy, athletics, treatment, and much more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #298687 in Books
• Published on: 1993-12-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 447 pages

Amazon.com Review
Female eating disorders are as complicated and multifaceted as females themselves. Fortunately, Kathryn J. Zerbe, a pioneer in the field of eating disorders, does not try to present one cause or one cure. The Body Betrayed delves into the full spectrum of factors contributing to eating disorders, such as family dynamics, cultural messages, nutrition, sexual abuse, and links with chemical dependency. Zerbe's discussion of treatment is equally even-handed: she addresses the successes of psychotherapy as well as the use of antidepressants. The compassionate wisdom infused throughout offers solace as well as the facts. As an all-inclusive primer, The Body Betrayed is an important resource for eating-disorder patients and their families.

Review
". . . definitely should be read by all family members and significant others of those with eating disorders." -- Leah J. Dickstein, M.D. President, American Medical Women’s Association, 1993

"A comprehensive review of the current knowledge regarding eating disorders…lucid and readable…an important resource for patients and their families." -- Michael J. Burke, M.D., Ph.D. Kansas Psychiatric Society

"An authoritative and comprehensive book on the epidemic problem of women, eating disorders and their treatment." -- Maggie Scarf author of Intimate Partners: Patterns in Love and Marriage

"What a rich, intelligent, and erudite book! " -- Joel Yager, M.D. Eating Disorders Specialist UCLA School of Medicine

"Zerbe’s brilliance and compassion shine throughout, and I recommend it with zeal!" -- Anne Alonso, Ph.D. Psychiatric Times

Customer Reviews

Not your typical eating disorders book.
This was an excellent book. I have purchased and read several books on eating disorders, and have been frustated by how the authors address the treatment phase. "A body betrayed" takes a deeper look into the reason why women develop an eating disorder and gives much needed insight on the background, treatment, and recovery of eating disorders, and it is not "sugar coated". I have been dealing with Bulemia now for over 9 years, and found this book to be just what I needed to get me back on the road to recovery. I give this book two thumbs up!

Compelling, intelligent and complex
This book might not be your best first introduction to eating disorders, but if you are somewhat familiar with the subject, Kathryn J. Zerbe adds tons of new insights.

Especially helpful are the sections on eating disorders accompanied by other psychiatric problems, and the sections on the relationships between the mother/daughter and the father/daughter in connection to developing eating disorders.

The writing is on a fairly high and intelligent level, but Zerbe never becomes caught up in psycho mumbo-jumbo that is beyond the scope of a lay person.

This is a wonderful book!
This book is informative and tremendously educational. The Body Betrayed is one of the best books out there. The author touches on almost every aspect of eating disorders and how a sufferer uses the disorder to make sense of the chaos their lives have become. They educate you on signs, symptoms, and causes, as well as treatment, comorbidity, and relapse. It is well written and some of the best material I have found to date.