Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia pose difficult ethical and legal questions regarding patient autonomy and good medical treatment. Adolescents and others suffering from these conditions often refuse food or cannot eat, thus leading to malnutrition or even death. Treating the illness can be complicated by patient's knowledge about their illness and awareness of their right to refuse care.
Discussion
Questions:
Is it justified to regard persons with such disorders as suffering from impaired judgment and hence as lacking decision-making capacity?
In what circumstances does anorexia qualify as a psychotic illness thus warranting legal guardianship and compulsory treatment, e.g., hospitalization, force feeding?
What are the disadvantages of compulsory treatment?
