1st Edition

The Invisible Man A Self-help Guide for Men With Eating Disorders, Compulsive Exercise and Bigorexia

By John F. Morgan Copyright 2008
    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    Increasingly boys and men are suffering with eating disorders and related body image problems. Some have full-blown conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, compulsive exercising or bigorexia. Others are distressed by slightly lesser degrees of disordered eating or over-exercise and seek ways of overcoming their problems.

    The Invisible Man applies the latest research to produce a practical, problem-focused self-help manual for men with eating disorders and body image problems. Divided into four sections, this evidence-based survival kit covers:

    • the wider cultural context of male body image problems
    • features unique to men
    • science fact and science fiction
    • a 7 stage approach to treatment.

    By combining the science of cognitive behaviour therapy with motivational enhancement and problem-solving therapies, The Invisible Man provides help to all men with body image disorders, as well as families and professionals involved in their care.

    Part I: Fat is More Than a Feminist Issue. Snakes and Ladders: Barriers to Recovery. Stories From the Past: The First Case of Anorexia Nervosa and Lord Byron's Eating Disorder. Part II: Do You Have a Body Image Disorder? Anorexia Nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating. Muscle Dysmorphia (Bigorexia). Obesity. Part III: Science Fiction and Science Fact. What Causes Body Image Disorders in Men? Compulsive Exercise: When Does Exercise Become Unhealthy? The Poisoned Chalice: Anabolic Steroid Abuse. Physical Health and Body Image Disorders. Mental Health and Body Image Disorders. The Role of Culture: 'Fat is Not Just a Feminist Issue'. Part IV: 7 Stages to Recovery. Stage 1: Motivation – A Cost-benefit Analysis of Recovery. Stage 2: Sharing the Secret. Stage 3: Healthy Habits. Stage 4: Thinking Straight. Stage 5: Feeling Good. Stage 6: Seeking Professional Help – A Consumer's Guide. Stage 7: Remaining Well – Sadder and Wiser.

    Biography

    John F. Morgan is head of the Yorkshire Centre for Eating Disorders. John's research portfolio addresses causes and treatments of eating disorders, and he has written commentaries on eating and body image disorders in men for journals and media.

    "An exceptionally experienced and expert clinician has given us an exceptionally useful book to guide boys and men in understanding and healing eating disorders, compulsive exercise, and uniquely male body image disorders." - Arnold Andersen, Professor of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, USA

    "In 'The Invisible Man', John Morgan makes a powerful case for meeting the particular needs of men affected by eating disorders. It can be difficult for anyone to seek help - but the problem is so much greater for young men who develop what many people mistakenly consider is a female problem. Morgan combines theory and practical help in a highly readable style." - Susan Ringwood, Chief Executive Officer of BEAT

    "The book has many excellent attributes - none more so than the chapter on healthy habits, providing clinicians with some excellent tools with which to work. It is written in an informative style, without being overly academic. There is also an excellent resource section with some useful websites. This book will ensure that we can no longer use our lack of knowledge as an excuse for avoiding the problems of male eating disorders. Highly recommended." - Nursing Standard, April 22(34) 2008  

    "B-EAT the principal UK charity for eating disorders, recommends this book as an important resource for anyone wishing to understand these particular men's issues. I second that recommendation." - Carl Eaton, Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, January 2009