- Email: [email protected]
Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder
BOOK REVIEWS
Vishal Madaan, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Creighton University/University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Christopher J. Kratochvil, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000240833.48490.a6
Disclosure: Dr. Kratochvil is supported by NIMH grant 5K23 MH06612701A1; he receives grant support from Eli Lilly, McNeil, and Cephalon; is a consultant for Eli Lilly, Shire, Cephalon, Organon, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, and Pfizer; and is a member of the Eli Lilly speakers’ bureau. Dr. Madaan has no financial relationships to disclose.
Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder. By Michael A. Strober and Meg Schneider. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2005, 235 pp., $25.00 (hardcover). As we go about our daily lives, we are bombarded with images of ‘‘perfect’’ bodies clad in skimpy fashions. There have been recent efforts to change this trend, but much room for improvement remains. The same images we adults see pelt children and teenagers as they undergo crucial identity formation. When a teenager attempts to fit in by wearing a certain clothing trend or by talking about a need to lose weight, feelings of dissatisfaction often predominate. Michael Strober and Meg Schneider authored this book to help parents halt the insidious progression to an eating disorder. The text also contains helpful advice for clinicians on how to talk with teenagers about this difficult subject. The morbidity and mortality associated with anorexia and other eating disorders is well known, and intervention often comes late or not at all. This book sets out to assist those caring for and working with teenagers and children to recognize and address subtle warning signs that may herald the onset of an eating disorder. Using a social and psychological model, the authors review factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Through the use of vignettes, stories come to life and approaches for intervention are explored. In explaining their model of disordered eating, the authors provide direct guidance to promote healthy choices and to further communication related to eating habits. They help understand parents’ struggle with feeling responsible for their son’s or daughter’s reluctance to eat. The authors’ words help to alleviate responsibility while gently persuading parents and professionals to open a healthy alternative communication.
1536
As specialized weight loss videos, exercise equipment, clothing trends, and other ‘‘infomercials’’ promote the quest for the ‘‘perfect’’ body, the authors discuss the impact these influences have on development of low self-esteem and a desire to change. They point out the importance of discussing these images and responding to adolescents’ statements. With recent campaigns to promote an open discussion between children and parents, the authors provide ideas to make the conversation an honest one. Not just societal influences are discussed: the authors bring the focus closer to home, addressing family dynamics and communication as well. Without a judgmental or accusatory demeanor, the role of disrupted or strained familial relationships in development of an eating disorder is explored. In each situation, ways to address the child’s feelings and habits are discussed in an insightful yet practical manner. When teenagers and younger children bring up concerns about weight, supportive figures can be helpful or harmful in their response or nonresponse. Using vignettes of obvious pathology versus innocent remarks, the authors educate readers about how to respond. At times, the appropriate response may include involving more professionals. This discussion is candid, reviewing expectations the parent and child should have about the professional, what questions the consultant may ask, and what interventions they may recommend and how they should recommend them. Michael Strober and Meg Schneider have written a helpful manual with practical material for both parents and those interested in treating children and adolescents. The information is succinct, readable, and practical. For any family struggling with a child they are concerned may be developing an eating disorder, the book is a welcome overview about what to do and say. Even though intended for parents, this text speaks to anyone caring for or treating children. The message may be directed toward eating habits, but a larger theme appears to emerge: the importance of encouraging all children to be satisfied with who they are. By providing information on what to watch for and what pressures operate on disordered eating behavior, the text provides parents and clinicians alike with specific interventions and hope for future change. Just a Little Too Thin goes above and beyond its intended audience. The material included is beneficial to parents, psychiatrists, therapists, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who works with teenagers. Jeffrey J. Smarrella, M.D. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Madison DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000240834.25619.cf
Disclosure: The author has no financial relationships to disclose. Note to Publishers: Books for review should be sent to Andre´s Martin, M.D., M.P.H., Yale Child Study Center, 230 Frontage Road, P.O. Box 207900, New Haven, CT 06520-7900.
J. AM. ACAD. CH ILD ADOLESC. PSYCHIATRY, 45:12, DECEMBER 2006
Copyright @ 2006 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Vishal Madaan, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Creighton University/University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Christopher J. Kratochvil, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000240833.48490.a6
Disclosure: Dr. Kratochvil is supported by NIMH grant 5K23 MH06612701A1; he receives grant support from Eli Lilly, McNeil, and Cephalon; is a consultant for Eli Lilly, Shire, Cephalon, Organon, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, and Pfizer; and is a member of the Eli Lilly speakers’ bureau. Dr. Madaan has no financial relationships to disclose.
Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder. By Michael A. Strober and Meg Schneider. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2005, 235 pp., $25.00 (hardcover). As we go about our daily lives, we are bombarded with images of ‘‘perfect’’ bodies clad in skimpy fashions. There have been recent efforts to change this trend, but much room for improvement remains. The same images we adults see pelt children and teenagers as they undergo crucial identity formation. When a teenager attempts to fit in by wearing a certain clothing trend or by talking about a need to lose weight, feelings of dissatisfaction often predominate. Michael Strober and Meg Schneider authored this book to help parents halt the insidious progression to an eating disorder. The text also contains helpful advice for clinicians on how to talk with teenagers about this difficult subject. The morbidity and mortality associated with anorexia and other eating disorders is well known, and intervention often comes late or not at all. This book sets out to assist those caring for and working with teenagers and children to recognize and address subtle warning signs that may herald the onset of an eating disorder. Using a social and psychological model, the authors review factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Through the use of vignettes, stories come to life and approaches for intervention are explored. In explaining their model of disordered eating, the authors provide direct guidance to promote healthy choices and to further communication related to eating habits. They help understand parents’ struggle with feeling responsible for their son’s or daughter’s reluctance to eat. The authors’ words help to alleviate responsibility while gently persuading parents and professionals to open a healthy alternative communication.
1536
As specialized weight loss videos, exercise equipment, clothing trends, and other ‘‘infomercials’’ promote the quest for the ‘‘perfect’’ body, the authors discuss the impact these influences have on development of low self-esteem and a desire to change. They point out the importance of discussing these images and responding to adolescents’ statements. With recent campaigns to promote an open discussion between children and parents, the authors provide ideas to make the conversation an honest one. Not just societal influences are discussed: the authors bring the focus closer to home, addressing family dynamics and communication as well. Without a judgmental or accusatory demeanor, the role of disrupted or strained familial relationships in development of an eating disorder is explored. In each situation, ways to address the child’s feelings and habits are discussed in an insightful yet practical manner. When teenagers and younger children bring up concerns about weight, supportive figures can be helpful or harmful in their response or nonresponse. Using vignettes of obvious pathology versus innocent remarks, the authors educate readers about how to respond. At times, the appropriate response may include involving more professionals. This discussion is candid, reviewing expectations the parent and child should have about the professional, what questions the consultant may ask, and what interventions they may recommend and how they should recommend them. Michael Strober and Meg Schneider have written a helpful manual with practical material for both parents and those interested in treating children and adolescents. The information is succinct, readable, and practical. For any family struggling with a child they are concerned may be developing an eating disorder, the book is a welcome overview about what to do and say. Even though intended for parents, this text speaks to anyone caring for or treating children. The message may be directed toward eating habits, but a larger theme appears to emerge: the importance of encouraging all children to be satisfied with who they are. By providing information on what to watch for and what pressures operate on disordered eating behavior, the text provides parents and clinicians alike with specific interventions and hope for future change. Just a Little Too Thin goes above and beyond its intended audience. The material included is beneficial to parents, psychiatrists, therapists, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who works with teenagers. Jeffrey J. Smarrella, M.D. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Madison DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000240834.25619.cf
Disclosure: The author has no financial relationships to disclose. Note to Publishers: Books for review should be sent to Andre´s Martin, M.D., M.P.H., Yale Child Study Center, 230 Frontage Road, P.O. Box 207900, New Haven, CT 06520-7900.
J. AM. ACAD. CH ILD ADOLESC. PSYCHIATRY, 45:12, DECEMBER 2006
Copyright @ 2006 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.