The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders

W. Stewart Agras

Language: English

Published: Jul 5, 2010

Description:

Oxford Handbooks offer authoritative and up-to-date reviews of original research in a particular subject area. Specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in the discipline give critical examinations of the progress and direction of debates, as well as a foundation for future research. Oxford Handbooks provide scholars and graduate students with compelling new perspectives upon a wide range of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

A rich source of authoritative content that supports reading and study in the field, The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders reviews current research and clinical developments through synthetic chapters written by experts from various fields of study and clinical backgrounds. Epidemiologic studies suggest that eating disorders are not only common but have increased in prevalence in recent decades, and this handbook refines and updates the state of research. The book is divided into four sections: phenomenology and epidemiology of the eating disorders, approaches to understanding the disorders, assessment and comorbidities of the disorders, and prevention and treatment. The first section deals with classification and epidemiology of the disorders, considerations for revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , and the somewhat neglected topic of eating disorders in childhood and early adolescence. The second section describes research basic to understanding the eating disorders and addresses biological factors, psychosocial risk factors, cultural factors, and the effects of behaviors such as dieting and eating and weight concerns in the genesis of the eating disorders. The third section describes assessment of the eating disorders, medical and psychological comorbidities, and medical management. The final section deals with various treatment modalities that have been found successful, including psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic approaches; an overview of evidence-based treatment for the eating disorders; and a consideration of what we know about cost-effectiveness of existing treatments.

The multiple perspectives and breadth of scope offered by The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders make it an invaluable resource for clinicians, researchers, and educators, as well as scholars and students.

Review

"This excellent volume is comprised of concise reviews authored by recognized experts covering virtually all important topics relevant to the assessment and care of individuals with eating disorders. It would be a timely and important addition to the library of any professional dealing with such patients."
B. Timothy Walsh, Professor of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute

"Dr. Agras has given us a remarkable volume, integrating an extensive body of acquired knowledge and emerging concepts regarding the eating disorders. The chapters reflect numerous bodies of empirical literature, are rich in detail, and summarize state of the art clinical approaches to the problems of disordered eating. As such, the Handbook will be an extraordinary resource for both practitioners and scientists."
Michael Strober, Franklin Mint Endowed Professor of Eating Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

"A comprehensive and up to date review of the field by internationally known experts. This volume provides detailed and thorough discussions of all the key topics in the study of eating disorders."
Zafra Cooper, Principal Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Psychiatry, Oxford University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital

"This volume is an outstanding resource for clinicians, researchers, teachers, and students in the field of eating disorders. Comprehensive coverage of topics spanning diagnosis, phenomenology and epidemiology, risk factors and development, and prevention and treatment approaches is provided by leading experts. This volume is masterfully edited by one of the field's leading scholars."
Carlos M. Grilo, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology, Yale University School of Medicine; Director of Yale Program for Obesity, Weight, and Eating Research

"This is an excellent overview of the state of the science in terms of understanding and treating eating disorders. Given that eating disorders are not a part of mainstream training for clinicians, this book is essential reading for anyone involved in the competent delivery of services to individuals with eating disorders." -- Doody's

"Nearly all chapters are authored by recognized experts in their fields. The chapters
are divided into four well-organized sections... The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders is an excellent contribution to the eating disorders literature. It includes diverse topics that are not often addressed within the
same volume. It is well written by experts in the field, well organized, and easy to read. The
chapters are unusually comprehensive and provide definitive reviews on many important
topics...It will be a welcome addition to the library of graduate students, researchers, and clinicians who want to stay up to date with the growing literature on eating disorder research." --PsycCRITIQUES

About the Author

W. Stewart Agras is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford School of Medicine. The author of numerous books on eating disorders, he founded the Eating Disorders treatment program at Stanford University and was founding President of the Society for Behavioral Medicine.