Activity Anorexia: Theory, Research, and Treatment

Front Cover
W. Frank Epling, W. David Pierce
Psychology Press, 1996 - 239 pages
This volume provides researchers and clinicians with an insight into recent developments in activity anorexia. Much of the basic information on the topic has come from animal literature; the theory of activity anorexia is built on an animal model of self-starvation (rats placed on a single daily feeding run more and more, over days stop eating, and die of starvation). Additionally, experiments that for ethical or practical reasons could not be done with humans may be conducted with other animals. The animal research is extending the understanding of biologically-based reward mechanisms that regulate eating and exercise, environment-behavior interactions that affect anorexia, and the biochemical changes that accompany physical activity and starvation.

Increasingly, however, the impact of physical activity on human anorexia is being directly investigated--eight out of fourteen research chapters in this volume are based on human research. Some researchers are interested in the impact of hyperactivity and caloric restriction on human reproductive function. Other authors are investigating physically active subgroups of people considered to be at risk for anorexia. Finally, several clinician/researchers suggest how physical activity and extreme dieting interact for anorexia nervosa patients.

Chapter authors were asked to present their views independent of the editors' argument that, when it is present, physical activity is central to anorexia. Many of the contributors disagree with the editors about the details of activity anorexia. A few suggest that excessive physical activity is either incidental to, or an epiphenomenon of, anorexia. Most authors are, however, in accord with the view that physical activity reduces food consumption which further drives up activity that results in even less caloric intake. No matter what their perspective, all contributors agree that hyperactivity frequently accompanies self-starvation in humans and other animals. The end result is a lively book that provides a source of ideas for both researchers and practitioners.

From inside the book

Contents

W F Epling and W D Pierce
5
Validity Criteria for Animal Models of Anorexia Nervosa
13
Theoretical Developments in Activity Anorexia
23
Adverse Effects of Exercise Stress and Restricted Feeding
81
The Role of Neurotransmitters in Activity Anorexia in the Rat
99
The Induction and Maintenance of Hyperactivity
113
Nutrition Physical Activity Menstrual Cycle and Anorexia
125
The Female Athlete Triad and the Critical Body Fat Hypothesis
137
Exercise Sports and Anorexia
159
Clinical Observations and Implications
177
The Problem of Excessive Physical Activity in Patients
189
Clinical Observations on the Physical Activity
199
The Interdependence of ObsessiveCompulsivenness
209
Author Index
219
Subject Index
235
Copyright

The Effects of Food Restriction and Training on Male Athletes
147

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Page 216 - Anorexia nervosa. Transactions of the Clinical Society of London, 7. 22-28. Halmi, KA, Eckert, E., Marchi, P, Sampugnaro, V., Apple, R., & Cohen. J. (1991). Comorbidity of psychiatric diagnoses in anorexia nervosa. Archives of General Psychiatry, 48, 712-718 Holden, NL (1990).

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