This work offers information on how families can help their loved ones. Early diagnosis and treatment, and family participation are crucial in preventing anorexia from becoming a chronic condition and can save the life of the anorexic. Writing for those who suffer from anorexia as well as their parents, friends and therapists, Steven Levenkron traces the stages of the disorder from an innocent desire to "lose a few pounds" to the lethal stage of the disease where the life of the victim is at stake. He discusses the multiple origins of this disorder: childhood trauma, society's role in demoralizing girls and women by encouraging an obsession with body image, genetics and familial origins. Incldued are segments of therapy sessions followed by dicussions of what transpired betwen therapist and patient which reveal the benefit of the therapeutic relationship in treating anorexia. The book seeks to demystify a life-threatening disease, showing how the girls and women who are afflicted with anorexia can be helped - and can look forward to rich and productive lives.