447 pg, (paper) ‘03

This widely-read, beautifully-written book covers the most important aspects of diagnosis and treatment for eating disorders. Zerbe is compassionate, knowledgeable, and a considerable poet. Particularly appropriate for parents and loved ones who want a deeper, more thorough understanding of eating disorders. Included are chapters on mother/daughter and father/daughter relationships, family dynamics, the impact of sexual and physical abuse, the relationship between eating disorders and chemical dependency, medical complications, the biology of nutrition, pregnancy, athletics, and treatment.

CONTENTS:

1 – The Spectrum of Eating Disorders
2 – Comorbidity: The Dilemma of Dual Diagnoses
3 – Daughters and Mothers
4 – Daughters and Fathers
5 – When Self Meets Society: The Interplay of Cultural and Psychological Factors
6 – Special People in the Life Cycle:  Eating Disorders in Infants, Children, Athletes, and Older Women
7 – Chasing the Ideal:  The Quest for a Perfect Body Image
8 – Fasting on Love:  Concerns About Sexuality and Pregnancy
9 – Swallowing Anger and Despair:  The Impact of Physical and Sexual Abuse
10 – Drowning Sorrow:  Chemical Dependency and Eating Disorders
11 – The Body at Risk:  Medical Complications of Eating Disorders
12 – Filling Up:  The Biology of Nutrition and Eating Disorders
13 – When Calories Add Up to Pain:  The Tolls of Obesity
14 – Life’s Hurdles:  Ways Eating Disorders Help Us to Cope
15 – Treatment:  The Body Reclaimed

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn J. Zerbe, M.D., is vice president for Education and Research, a staff psychiatrist, and staff psychoanalyst at the Menninger Clinic. Dr. Zerbe completed her B.S. degree in zoology and history at Duke University and her M.D. degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She was the section chief of the eating disorders program at the Menninger Clinic for five years and continues to teach and consult on eating disorders. Other clinical appointments have included directing the Adult Outpatient Department, medical director of the Women’s Program, and team leader and section chief of an extended care unit.

Dr. Zerbe is a faculty member of the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry and the Topeka Institute for Psychoanalysis. She has published numerous professional articles on eating disorders, women’s issues, psychotherapy, and psychological studies of artists. She is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

REVIEWS:

"What a rich, intelligent, and erudite book! Dr. Zerbe's considerable experience with eating disorders patients is informed by a compassionate heart and a poet's appreciation for language."
—Joel Yager, MD, editor of the Eating Disorders Review

"An elegantly written overview of eating disorders. . . her compassionate and hopeful tone left me both enlightened and uplifted."
—Rita Freedman, PhD, author of BodyLove

"A thoroughly insightful, landmark book. . . definitely should be read by all family members and significant others."
—Leah J. Dickstein, MD, President, American Medical Women's Assoc., 199

“A comprehensive review of the current knowledge regarding eating disorders…lucid and readable…an important resource for patients with an eating disorder and their families, this text will be educational and inspirational.”
—Michael J. Burke, MD, PhD, Kansas Psychiatric Society

“This is a valuable book for professionals, teachers, and the intelligent non-professional reader.  Zerbe’s brilliance and compassion shine throughout.  I recommend it with zeal!”
—Anne Alonso, PhD, Psychiatric Times

“A special job of this book is Dr. Zerbe’s use of art and literature to bring life to some of her insights.  She can discuss with equal aplomb the use of Prozac and the perspective of Proust.  Highly recommended.”
—Russell David Marx, MD, Eating Disorders Review