Secret Language of Eating Disorders

Anorexia is not about body image, insists Claude-Pierre, founder and director of Canada's Montreux Clinic, which has treated hundreds of patients with eating disorders since 1993. Claude-Pierre developed her innovative approach as an alternative to the harsh and ineffective treatments prescribed for her two anorexic daughters. Sensitive to the girls' anguish, she concluded that eating disorders are not about looks, selfishness or control," but rather arise from """"Confirmed Negativity Condition"""" (CNC)a type of overly developed moral sense that causes highly intelligent and altruistic individuals to assume full responsibility for the world's ills. The result is intense pessimism", subjectivity and self-loathing. Thus regimens that impose guilt on patients are counterproductivevictims need to be relieved of guilt, not burdened with more. At her clinic, Claude-Pierre creates an atmosphere of unconditional love and support, enabling patients to develop a healthy sense of self. Once this is achieved, she claims, eating disorders can be completely cured. Claude-Pierre's compassion and dedication are evident on every page of this account, and her insights are stimulating. Yet the book, based almost entirely on the experience of Montreux patients, lacks broader documentation and historical background, and it never fully addresses the question of why victims choose food as their particular focus. But though the book's scientific rigor is questionable, its humane and caring message will reach deep into the hearts of those who suffer from eating disorders. Photos not seen by PW. Major ad/promo; Random House audio; foreign rights sold in six countries; author tour. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved