Anorexia/Eating Disorders/starving self

Advertisement

Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/25/2009


Question
my husband has CA and is refusing all food.  He is on Chemo %26 radiation.  He has not eaten anything today.  I try to have him take Boost or Enlive with medications.  He also has Alzheimer and diarrhea. What can I do (besides a G tube)to make him eat?

Answer
Dear Joyce,

This must be so difficult for you -- particularly with the alzheimers and diarrhea -- This is really a question for your Physician.  I do know that many times nutrients can be delivered by IV which can be much less intrusive than an NG tube.  

I'm sorry that I can't be more helpful but it's so difficult to force people to eat!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Treatment Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.