Anorexia/Eating Disorders/patient rights

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 1/8/2010


Question
my neurologist had me hospitalized in sept 09 for a mental problems. The psychiatrist put me on some meds which were making me eat. I didnt like that I have always been underweight. So I quit the meds and now the neurologist said he is going to call my psychiatrist and tell him. he also said if I dont start eating better and taking care of myself he is going to have to send someone to my house. does he have the right to call my psychiatrist? and can he actually send someone out to my house just because he thinks I ain't eating right and taking care of myself.

Answer

jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Casi,

I, of course, don't know all of the details in your case, but one doctor does not have the right to violate your confidentiality, unless he believes that you're a danger to yourself.  It sounds like that's what is happening -- he feels that you're a danger to yourself because you've stopped your meds and you're not taking care of yourself.

You can actually use this as a wake-up call -- Hey, maybe I am going down the deep end a bit.  Maybe I do need to pay attention to my health and my well-beig -- this guy must care about me!!

Let me know what happens, Casi!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
888-520-1700
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
@jeanniemirasol
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannerustmirasol

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

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