Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Anorexia Nervosa questions

Advertisement

Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/13/2010


Question
Hello Jeanne. I'm writing a debate for senior english class. The topic is "Legislation should be passed to make force-feeding anorexics illegal". I'm on the negative.

My opponents say that tube/IV feeding costs way to much to be useful. Is this true? What are they fed and what does it cost? I heard they were fed some sort of liquid.

Also, would tube/IV feeding cause post traumatic stress disorder?

Thank you much!

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Hayden,

When someone is tube-fed they are given electrolytes and glucose in a liquid solution.  Tube feeding can occur in a variety of ways.  None of which are terribly expensive.

Tube-feeding can take place in hospital where it's covered under insurance.  Some chronic anorexics will have a jpeg tube put in permanently so that they do this on an outpatient basis.

The most important thing about tube-feeding is that it saves lives.  When a person is so thin where she needs tube feeding, she generally lacks the cognitive ability to make reasonable decisions.  As she becomes thinner, she'll lose more and more cognitive ability.

I have seen young women who are 65# literally saying that they are too fat and ripping out the tube in the hospital.

So it's like being caught between a rock and a hard place.  Do we honor a person's right to refuse treatment if it means that they are going to die?  We do this with the elderly or with someone who has a terminal illness.  I think the main point is that an anorexic doesn't have the mental capacity for decision making.

There is a ethical standard for medical and mental health professionals that states that they are required to report if someone is a danger to themselves or others.  In other words, if their behavior is harming themselves (by trying to commit suicide or refusing to eat) or if they're trying to harm someone else.

This is a great subject because it brings up all kinds of ethical considerations.  

Tube-feeding could cause PTSD depending upon the patient.  However, fear of PTSD is not a reason to refuse tube feeding or any kinds of nutrients which will cause death.  We keep the person alive first, then when they're nutritionally restored, we can treat the PTSD.

I hope I didn't confuse you too much -- Please ask me for any clarification!

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

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.