Terminal anorexia nervosa is a dangerous term: it cannot, and should not, be defined.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Ethics
• Palliative Care

Background:

• A recent proposal suggested defining
• terminal anorexia
• to improve access to palliative care and medical aid in dying for patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN).

Discussion:

• This paper expresses concern regarding the implications of labeling anorexia nervosa as
• terminal
• . Anorexia nervosa is a treatable psychiatric condition, and recovery, while uncertain, is possible.

Key Insights:

• Applying a
• terminal
• label risks unjustified deaths in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
• Patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa may have impaired capacity to make reasoned end-of-life treatment decisions.
• The ethical implications of medical aid in dying for psychiatric conditions require careful consideration.

Outlook:

• Further debate is needed on the ethical considerations of end-of-life care for patients with severe and enduring mental illness.
• Research should focus on improving treatment access and outcomes for anorexia nervosa, rather than defining it as terminal.
• Clarifying decision-making capacity in psychiatric patients is crucial for ethical end-of-life care discussions.