Eating Disorders

Book excerpt: A comprehensive guide to the medical complications, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders. In this new edition of their best-selling work, Drs. Philip S. Mehler and Arnold E. Andersen provide a user-friendly and comprehensive guide to treating and managing eating disorders for primary care physicians, mental health professionals, worried family members and friends, and nonmedical professionals (such as teachers and coaches). Mehler and Andersen identify common medical complications that people who have eating disorders face and answer questions about how to treat both physical and behavioral aspects of eating disorders. Serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmia, electrolyte abnormalities, and gastrointestinal problems, are discussed in detail. Incorporating illustrative case studies, medical background on the complications, guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and an up-to-date list of selected references, chapters provide comprehensive coverage of topics, including team treatment and nutritional rehabilitation. The authors also address special areas of concern, such as athletes who have eating disorders, males with eating disorders, and the pharmacological treatment of obesity. New topics include diabetes and eating disorders, osteoporosis, involuntary feeding, innovative psychological strategies, and ethical dilemmas.