Anorexia Nervosa Recent Developments In Research

Abstract: Recent research developments in the field of anorexia nervosa are presented in this comprehensive volume of scientific papers by researchers in basic science, psychology, and psychiatry. The pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa is overviewed, including familial issues, sociocultural factors, body image disturbance, and the psychological typology of anorexia nervosa. A section examining biological factors in anorexia nervosa reports on results of experiments using animal models, on studies of endocrine alterations in anorexia nervosa, and on endocrine and menstrual responses to weight change. Treatment issues that are examined include 1) the nonlinearity of weight gain and nutrition intake in anorexia nervosa, 2) the effects of anorexia nervosa in delaying or preventing puberty, 3) medical consequences of starvation, 4) drugs and behavior therapy in anorexia nervosa, 5) provisional ideas about the psychologic structure in anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and 6) methodological issues in a study of family therapy in anorexia nervosa. A preliminary report is presented on the long-term prognosis for anorexia nervosa. This volume is designed for use by researchers and clinicians in psychiatry, psychology, pathology, nutrition, social work, endocrinology, pharmacology, gynecology, gastroenterology, and physiology. (aje).

The abundance of food in the developed countries of the world has seemingly spawned an epidemic of disorders connected to the food. Extremes such as intensive concern about one's body image and total disregard for it have resulted in countries which contain enormous segments of the population who are either obese and proud of it or bordering on anorexia nervosa. This new book gathers state-of-the-art research from leading scientists throughout the world which offers important information on understanding the underlying causes and discovering the most effective treatments for eating disorders.

Eating disorders and anorexia nervosa are relevant psychiatric problems and often represent a serious challenge to patients, families and clinicians as well. There are several questions surrounding anorexia nervosa about its etiology, maintaining factors, best treatment approaches, which still lack a definite answer. Anorexia is often puzzling and difficult to understand, for patients, who may have a poor insight into the reasons and meaning of their disorder, and for their loved ones who may feel powerless and hopeless when facing a disorder they cannot figure out. Clinicians may approach this disorder in very different ways. There is still a lot to reflect on in regard to anorexia, and the contributions included in this volume aim to help the reader find interesting hints about theoretical, clinical and research issues. (Imprint: Nova Biomedical)

The abundance of food in the developed countries of the world has seemingly spawned an epidemic of disorders connected to the food. Extremes such as intensive concern about one's body image and total disregard for it have resulted in countries which contain enormous segments of the population who are either obese and proud of it or bordering on anorexia nervosa. This new book gathers state-of-the-art research from leading scientists throughout the world which offers important information on understanding the underlying causes and discovering the most effective treatments for eating disorders.

This volume provides researchers and clinicians with an insight into recent developments in activity anorexia. Much of the basic information on the topic has come from animal literature; the theory of activity anorexia is built on an animal model of self-starvation (rats placed on a single daily feeding run more and more, over days stop eating, and die of starvation). Additionally, experiments that for ethical or practical reasons could not be done with humans may be conducted with other animals. The animal research is extending the understanding of biologically-based reward mechanisms that regulate eating and exercise, environment-behavior interactions that affect anorexia, and the biochemical changes that accompany physical activity and starvation. Increasingly, however, the impact of physical activity on human anorexia is being directly investigated--eight out of fourteen research chapters in this volume are based on human research. Some researchers are interested in the impact of hyperactivity and caloric restriction on human reproductive function. Other authors are investigating physically active subgroups of people considered to be at risk for anorexia. Finally, several clinician/researchers suggest how physical activity and extreme dieting interact for anorexia nervosa patients. Chapter authors were asked to present their views independent of the editors' argument that, when it is present, physical activity is central to anorexia. Many of the contributors disagree with the editors about the details of activity anorexia. A few suggest that excessive physical activity is either incidental to, or an epiphenomenon of, anorexia. Most authors are, however, in accord with the view that physical activity reduces food consumption which further drives up activity that results in even less caloric intake. No matter what their perspective, all contributors agree that hyperactivity frequently accompanies self-starvation in humans and other animals. The end result is a lively book that provides a source of ideas for both researchers and practitioners.

Eating disorders and anorexia nervosa are relevant psychiatric problems and often represent a serious challenge to patients, families and clinicians as well. There are several questions surrounding anorexia nervosa about its etiology, maintaining factors, best treatment approaches, which still lack a definite answer. Anorexia is often puzzling and difficult to understand, for patients, who may have a poor insight into the reasons and meaning of their disorder, and for their loved ones who may feel powerless and hopeless when facing a disorder they cannot figure out. Clinicians may approach this disorder in very different ways. There is still a lot to reflect on in regard to anorexia, and the contributions included in this volume aim to help the reader find interesting hints about theoretical, clinical and research issues. (Imprint: Nova Biomedical)

The abundance of food in the developed countries of the world has seemingly spawned an epidemic of disorders connected to the food. Extremes such as intensive concern about one's body image and total disregard for it have resulted in countries which contain enormous segments of the population who are either obese and proud of it or bordering on anorexia nervosa. This new book gathers state-of-the-art research from leading scientists throughout the world which offers important information on understanding the underlying causes and discovering the most effective treatments for eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimic Disorders: Current Perspectives covers the proceedings of Conference on Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders. The book presents 60 papers that cover various aspects that are essential in understanding the nature of eating disorders. The materials in the text are organized thematically into sections. The book first covers the historical aspects, and then proceeds to tackling the classification of eating disorders. The succeeding sections detail the different aspects of eating disorders, such as epidemiological, biological, familial, psychological, and clinical. The selection also discusses the treatment, outcome, and prognosis of eating disorders. The book will be of great use to students, researchers, and practitioners of health related disciplines.