Eating Disorders in America : A Reference Handbook

An indispensable resource for readers interested in eating disorders, this book summarizes their history in human civilization, assesses the current status of eating disorders in American society, and describes efforts for establishing effective prevention and treatment programs.

• Provides an introduction to the history of eating disorders in society, a topic less well known and discussed than others in the social sciences

• Offers comprehensive discussion of the whole range of eating disorders, rather than the two most commonly covered (bulimia and anorexia), along with a review of the risk factors, causes, prevention, and treatment of each

• Outlines the ongoing debate concerning the possible causes of eating disorders and how they guide prevention and treatment

• Includes a chapter on individual perspectives about specific cases of, experiences with, and attitudes toward eating disorders in today's world