(Vienna, 06 May 2026) The latest publication in MedUni Vienna’s "Gesundheit.Wissen" book series, published by MANZ Verlag, focuses on the various forms of eating disorders. Scientifically sound, accessible and practical, author Andreas Karwautz – founder and head of the Outpatient Clinic for Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents at the University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at MedUni Vienna – provides comprehensive information on causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and current research approaches.
The guide "Essstörungen. Erkennen – verstehen – überwinden" ("Eating Disorders: Recognising – Understanding – Overcoming") is aimed at those affected and their families, as well as teachers, medical professionals and anyone seeking reliable information on the subject. After asthma and obesity, eating disorders are among the most common chronic conditions in adolescence and pose the greatest physical risk of all psychiatric disorders. "The better those affected and their families are informed about this complex condition, the sooner warning signs can be recognised and professional help sought," emphasises Andreas Karwautz, Professor of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry at MedUni Vienna and President of the renowned Eating Disorders Research Society (EDRS), the largest international organisation for researchers in the field of eating disorders: "Early detection is crucial – and it is only possible with knowledge."
Those affected share their journey to recovery
In the book, the internationally recognised expert in the field of eating disorders explains all common disorder types according to the WHO’s ICD-11 system – including anorexia nervosa (anorexia), bulimia nervosa (binge-purge disorder), binge-eating disorder (recurrent binge eating), ARFID (Avoidance/Restricted Food Intake Disorder) and pica (ingestion of non-edible substances). It also describes previously lesser-known forms such as orthorexic eating behaviour (pathological healthy eating) or purging disorder (vomiting or using laxatives without prior binge eating). Alongside medical fundamentals and current research findings, the physical risks, necessary medical examinations and therapeutic options are explained in an accessible manner.
The guide also addresses the diverse risk factors for developing an eating disorder, as well as the role of beauty and health trends as conveyed on the internet or via social media. Particularly valuable are the personal insights from young people who share their experiences of living with the condition. Eating disorders continue to be associated with significant stigma. The guide aims to break down barriers, foster understanding and provide guidance – for those affected who wish to recover, and for relatives seeking support.
10 years of the MedUni Vienna book series published by MANZ Verlag
The "Gesundheit.Wissen" book series by MedUni Vienna, published by MANZ Verlag, has now been running for ten years. In it, MedUni Vienna experts make their knowledge accessible to patients, relatives and interested parties – scientifically sound, easy to understand and practical. In this way, MedUni Vienna is once again fulfilling its social responsibility not only to generate and teach health knowledge, but also to communicate it to the general public. With "Essstörungen. Erkennen – verstehen – überwinden", the 22nd guide in the series has now been published.
To the book series