Hilde Bruch (1904–1984)

Unfortunately, this was the first book I found and read about eating disorders. It was a devastating and ultimately false lead.

I consider this book historically important but NOT recommended except to understand older thinking about anorexia and eating disorders. Bruch made really good observations and descriptions of her patients but without the benefit of later science and context. Her conclusions about the nature of anorexia and especially of the parents of patients have done untold harm show more and continue to be used in unhelpful ways. show less

I read this book and used it for a term paper in High School in 1978.

I learned some medical terms and that sometimes people stop eating and get skinny.

The last line of the book says in paraphrase "we don't know what the cause is."

I have heard since from a friend that it a condition with a nutritional deficiency of potassium so you might wish to consult a competent nutritionist and get their opinion.

The author shares her experience of the essential purpose of intensive psychotherapy as it has been shaped over her many years as a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and teacher. She sets forth a theoretical frame in straightforward and unmystical language without minimizing the complexities of demand that therapy makes on both patient and therapist. Source: Publisher