Nutrition Counseling in the Treatment of Eating Disorders »

Most eating disordered patients believe themselves to be experts on the subject of nutrition, therefore the job of effective patient counseling becomes even more challenging. This book presents both nutritional and physiological information in a thoroughly detailed manner. The compilation of concepts, techniques, and alternatives makes the book unique in style and content. Addressing the food, weight, and nutrition issues that must be tackled in the treatment of eating disordered individuals, this text will give professionals the necessary information for effective patient counseling.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Neva L Crogan, PhD, APRN, BC(University of Arizona College of Nursing)
Description:This nutrition counseling book is a valuable resource for use in the treatment of clients with eating disorders.
Purpose:According to the author, the book has three main objectives: first, to review the treatment literature and gather together in one book a concise formulation of nutrition facts, nutrition-related biological factors, and assessment and counseling techniques; second, to present nutrition therapy in enough detail and with enough background information so that clinicians from a variety of backgrounds can confidently use these methods; and finally, to describe productive relationships between nutrition counselors and patients and between nutrition counselors and psychotherapists. These are worthy objectives that appear to have been met.
Audience:According to the author, this book was written for clinicians who provide food and weight-related counseling, interventions, education, and monitoring of eating-disordered patients in outpatient settings. These practitioners might include nutritionists, psychotherapists, cognitive behaviorists, psychiatrists, physicians, and primary care providers. The author appears to be a credible authority in the field.
Features:This nutrition counseling book includes relevant information on nutrition, physiology, and physical complications related to eating disorders. Treatment strategies that regulate body weight and establish normal patterns of food consumption are delineated. Information that clinicians can use to correct beliefs and behaviors associated with dieting, weight control, bingeing, and purging are presented. The book includes appendixes, references, and an author and subject index.
Assessment:Nutrition counseling is an area of specialization that needs current and relevant resources and textbooks. This book provides an avenue by which clinicians can access current techniques regarding the care of clients with eating disorders. It is much needed and undoubtedly will impact quality of care.