“The Secret Language of Eating Disorders”

Peggy Claude-Pierre

Times Books

288 pages, $25

“Your Dieting Daughter: Is She Dying for Attention?”

Carolyn Costin

Brunner/Mazel

217 pages, $19.95

In “The Secret Language,” Canadian specialist Peggy Claude-Pierre details her theory that eating disorders are caused by a psychological mind-set that leads to self-destruction. There is no proof that her method is the key to unlocking the mysteries of eating disorders--although Claude-Pierre’s success rates are reportedly very high. But it is useful to consider her theory and her experience against a disorder that has stumped much of medicine.

Carolyn Costin’s book, “Your Dieting Daughter,” attempts to enlighten parents on the myths and facts of dieting and eating disorders. Costin, a Malibu therapist who is a recovered anorexic, helps parents understand the distinction between dieting and a disorder. This is a very good first book for a parent who has some initial concerns and doesn’t know where to turn for education and help.