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Legalities of Force-Feeding an Anorexic Patient
Article Contributed By Staff of Eating Disorder Hope for The Meadows Ranch
In the most severe cases of anorexia nervosa, a person may literally be incapable of feeding themselves, putting themselves at high risk of death by starvation.
There comes a certain point in the downward spiral of anorexia where an individual is severely malnourished that their cognitive abilities become compromised.
Meaning, a person in this state of being is unable to rationalize the necessity of eating in order to stay alive. How can family and loved ones intervene in this type of situation, when a person has clearly become a danger to themselves and is putting their life at risk?
Force-Feedings For Anorexic Intervention
In some instances, feedings, via tube feeding or offering nutrition intravenously, may be the only means of survival for someone struggling with the most severe cases of anorexia. But for adults who are not under the legal care of parents or guardians, how can this be decided and/or enforced, and what are the legal and ethical issues involved?
Force feedings in cases of anorexia nervosa have been at the center of debate for some time. On one side of the aisle, people have argued that if a person’s cognition is altered and compromised, which is often the reality in these situations, then they are unable to make a decision that will benefit their health and sustain their life. Studies have found that anorexia sufferers show a decrease in gray brain matter, which is associated with body dysmorphia, meaning they are misjudging their own body size and appearance [1].
On the other hand, there is the argument that force-feeding and the implications involved is life-threatening in itself, and imposing this on a patient who is refusing treatment may be unethical. Other professionals have argued that even if invasive force-feeding programs are successful in the short-term, these interventions are not enough to sustain long-term recovery.
Many health professionals may feel that the risk of re-feeding syndrome in the case of extreme malnutrition can itself be deadly. There is much debate between the short-term mortality that can be avoided with tube-feeding or force-feeding interventions and the prognosis for long-term recovery.
Sorting Through Anorexic Legalities
While there is no clear or definitive answer to this debate, it is important to pursue what you feel is best for you and your family, should you find yourself in this situation or requiring greater interventions.
In a situation in which you are seeking life-saving interventions in the form of forced feedings may require legal and court interventions, and these should be pursued in the event that you feel this is absolutely necessary.
This situation can be incredibly overwhelming and painstaking for you and your loved ones, so do not feel as though you have to work through this situation alone. Find support, seek out the counsel of health care and legal professionals you trust to work toward a desirable solution for all parties involved.
About The Meadows Ranch:
For over 25 years, The Meadows Ranch has offered an unparalleled depth of care through its unique, comprehensive, and individualized program for treating eating disorders and co-occurring conditions affecting adolescent girls and women. Set on scenic ranch property in the healing landscape of Wickenburg, Arizona, The Meadows Ranch allows for seamless transitions between its structured multi-phase treatment. A world-class clinical team of industry experts leads the treatment approach designed to uncover and understand the “whys” of the eating disorder through a host of proven modalities. Providing individuals with tools to re-engage in a healthy relationship with food – and with themselves – disempowers eating disorders and empowers individuals with a renewed enthusiasm for life. Contact us today at 888-496-5498 and find out why The Meadows Ranch is the best choice for eating disorder treatment and recovery. For more information call 1-888-496-5498. or visit www.themeadowsranch.com.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal previously served as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion for helping others find recovery and healing was integrated into each part of her work.
References:
[1]: Titova, O. E., Hjorth, O. C., Schiöth, H. B., & Brooks, S. J. (2013). Anorexia nervosa is linked to reduced brain structure in reward and somatosensory regions: a meta-analysis of VBM studies. BMC Psychiatry, 13, 110. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-110The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Recently Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 2, 2017
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
