Eating disorders (ED) are a group of mental disorders characterized by an altered food intake and the presence of inappropriate behaviors and thoughts about weight and shape. All EDs lead to physical and psychosocial functioning impairments in the patients which, in turn, may contribute to the persistence of the disease. The severity of EDs has been highlighted by their chronicity, medical complications, comorbidity, and high rates of mortality. Therefore, to address this important health issue, the current Special Issue collected 21 articles (i.e., three reviews and 18 research articles) focusing on the most recent and relevant scientific findings regarding advances in ED, such as genetic and epigenetic factors, biomarkers, comorbidity, clinical phenotypes, neurocognition, treatment predictors, and treatment models and therapeutic targets. Altogether, we believe that the articles contained in this Special Issue have largely achieved the initial objective of providing increased knowledge about the pathogenesis, the risk factors, the maintenance factors, and the most appropriate treatments tools for ED.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Advances in the Prevention and Management of Obesity and Eating Disorders" that was published in Behavioral Sciences

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 important new book details a strategic and systemic model for short-term therapy with adolescent sufferers of anorexia nervosa, a psychopathology that seduces patients into starvation as doctors and family look on with increasing desperation. Supported by the successful treatment of hundreds of cases over the past 30 years, the book is the culmination of a long-term intervention programme developed at the Strategic Therapy Centre of Arezzo, Italy. It begins by outlining the range of different eating disorders, before identifying the specific characteristics that adolescents with anorexia present. The variations of the pathology are then discussed. Not all patients present with the same symptoms; some sufferers over-exercise while others binge eat or self-harm. Substance abuse is also common, either with diuretics or chemicals; others self-induce vomiting. The therapeutic strategy will, of course, differ for each patient. Accessibly written throughout, the book concludes with two cases studies – complete with full transcripts – which illustrate the therapeutic process that allowed the patient to change their patterns of thinking, and the accompanying behaviours. An insightful and invaluable work on this vital topic, the book will be essential reading for any professional working with adolescents presenting with anorexia, as well as the families of sufferers.

First published in 1989. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) are the primary eating disorders (EDs). The only psychopharmacological treatment options for EDs with approval in some countries include fluoxetine for BN and lisdexamfetamine for BED. Given the high comorbidity and genetic correlations with other psychiatric disorders, it seems possible that novel medications for these conditions might also be effective in EDs.The current scientific literature has increased our understanding of how medication could be beneficial for patients with EDs on a molecular, functional and behavioral level. On the basis of theoretical considerations about neurotransmitters, hormones and neural circuits, possible drug targets for the treatment of EDs may include signal molecules and receptors of the self-regulatory system such as serotonin, norepinephrine and glutamate, the hedonic system including opioids, cannabinoids and dopamine and the hypothalamic homeostatic system including histamine, ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1.The latest research points to an involvement of both the immune and the metabolic systems in the pathophysiology of EDs and highlights the importance of the microbiome. Therefore, the next few years may unveil drug targets for EDs not just outside of the brain, but possibly even outside of the human body.

This second edition of the Handbook of Eating Disorders offers a comprehensive, critical account of the whole field of eating disorders, incorporating both basic knowledge and a synthesis of the most recent developments in the area. Many of the important developments in recent years are reflected in this expanded volume such as the basic science of appetite control, the discovery of leptin and the knowledge about the neurotramsmitters involved in eating. An invaluable review of scientific knowledge and approaches to treatment of eating disorders from anorexia nervosa to obesity. * Covers basic concepts and science, clinical considerations of definition and assessment, and treatment approaches * Focuses on newer developments in research and treatment * Reflects evidence-based approaches to treatment as a guide to best practice * Includes many new chapters and authors who represent the most authoritative scientists and clinicians worldwide

Innovations in Family Therapy for Eating Disorders brings together the voices of the most-esteemed, international experts to present conceptual advances, preliminary data, and patient perspectives on family-based treatments for eating disorders. This innovative volume is based partly on a special issue of Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention and includes a section on the needs of carers and couples, "Tales from the Trenches," and qualitative studies of patient, parent, and carer experiences. Cutting edge and practical, this compendium will appeal to clinicians and researchers involved in the treatment of eating disorders.

It is often difficult to blend the knowledge from scientific research with the experience of clinical practice. This book does exactly that. By incorporating recent advances in biological sciences with the concept of aetiology and treatment of eating disorders, the editors have successfully produced an authoritative, state-of-the-art text. The internationally renowned authors suggest ways of integrating the latest findings within a treatment setting. Topics covered include: ? Phenomenology ? Measurement of Psychopathology ? Stress, Neurobiology and Eating ? Eating Behaviour and Weight Control ? Emotional States and Bulimic Psychopathology ? Neuroimaging ? Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa ? Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder ? Pharmacotherapy ? Nutritional Management ? Medical Complications. This book will be of value to all psychiatrists, psychologists, psychopharmacologists and clinical neuroscientists. From pre-publication reviews: "This book provides a masterly synthesis of the basic and the clinical, in a form that should prove useful to both practicing clinicians and researchers in the field. I know of no other book of comparable scope that has attempted so successfully this integration." James E. Mitchell Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurosciences, UND, Fargo, USA "Neurobiology in the Treatment of Eating Disorders is a major achievement and I predict that it will become an instant classic." Ruth Striegel-Moore Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, CT, USA "A significant addition to the literature on eating disorders. This book is notable for its depth and breadth, the emphasis on neurobiology being particularly distinctive and welcome. It deserves to be widely read." Christopher Fairburn Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford UK "I found this book absolutely outstanding and was very pleased to read it. This invaluable and authoritative overview represents an outstanding reference for the study of the three major disorders of eating behaviour. This book represents an extraordinary background for future developments of neurobiological and genetic investigations, clinical applications, epidemiological studies; therapeutic approaches and prevention programs." Francesca Brambilla Professor, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, H. S. Raffaele, Milan, Italy