Advanced Brief Strategic Therapy for Young People with Anorexia Nervosa: An Effective Guide for Clinicians

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.

Giorgio Nardone is a Professor of Psychology of Change at the Link University in Rome, Italy. He is currently involved in research, training, and therapy at Centro di Terapia Strategica of Arezzo.

Elisa Valteroni is a psychotherapist and Associate Researcher at Centro di Terapia Strategica of Arezzo.