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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/doctors force feeding anorexics
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Question
Hi, Dr. Jeanne Rust.
I am writing a research argument paper on this issue. I am on the positive side, because I strongly believe it could save lives. Unfortunately, I do not know much about this topic, except I have personally experienced an eating disorder, but only for a short amount of time (4 months or so) before it turned fatal. I have a several questions about this.
First, I was wondering if you ever had a chance to experience and know someone who has experienced this problem, where they were so sick they had to be force fed by doctors? (My instructor wants me to open with a story about the topic.)
Second, how do you feel about this? Do you think it is ethical, unethical? And what is your reasoning?
Third, Do you think it is an effective treatment?
Fourth, are there statistics showing the direct relationship between force-feeding treatment and the survival/mortality rates of anorexics/bulimics? In other words, I want to be able to prove that this is an effective way of treatment.
Fifth, how often do doctors have to resort to force-feeding?
I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Joy
Dear Joy,
I'm so sorry but you're asking the wrong person!
At my treatment center, Mirasol, we do not do refeeding. We send them to other places such as Denver Health in Colorado. Call and ask to speak to Dr. Jennifer Giuliani. The number for Denver Health Acute Eating Disorder Center is onine.
You'l be able to get exactly what you need!
Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700
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Answers by Expert:
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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