Discusses the eating disorders anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and activity disorder; providing information on how to recognize what qualifies as an eating disorder, typical symptoms, and possible causes, also includes information on treatment programs.

Disordered eating past and present -- Not for females only -- Activity disorder : too much/too little of a good thing -- Sociocultural influences on eating, weight, and shape -- Eating disorder behaviors are adaptive functions -- Heredity and biochemical individuality -- Assessing the situation -- Guidelines for significant others -- Treatment philosophy and approaches -- Individual therapy : putting the eating disorder out of a job -- Sharing the pain and the promise in group -- For family members and those who treat them -- Nutrition education and therapy -- The psychiatrist's role and medication -- Medical management of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa -- When outpatient treatment is not enough -- Increasing awareness and prevention.