ABSTRACT
The aetiology of anorexia takes centre stage in Chapter 1, as the author explores the complexities of current medical classification systems used to establish a diagnosis, the history of anorexia, the role biology may play in anorexia taking root, and the cultural forces which collude to create the climate for the development of body insecurities in women. The central premise of this book is framed as anorexia is established as a culture-bound syndrome, endemic to patriarchal societies. As this argument takes root, the role played by the family is explored alongside a consideration of individual temperament and tendencies towards perfectionism. The final pages of the chapter explore contemporary treatment programmes and establishes the groundwork for the development of a therapeutic model within which healing can take place.
