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Civil commitment of the anorexic patient
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|August 28, 1998
Summary
Involuntary commitment is rarely used for anorexia patients, but statutes allow it when life-threatening behaviors risk patient safety. This intervention is a last resort for those refusing voluntary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Law
Background:
- Involuntary commitment for anorexia nervosa is underutilized due to clinical uncertainty.
- Anorexic patients often do not express suicidal intent, complicating commitment criteria.
Observation:
- Civil commitment statutes may permit involuntary hospitalization for anorexic patients under grave disability standards when their lives are endangered.
- Expert consensus and international practices support the use of involuntary commitment in specific circumstances.
Findings:
- Anorexic patients exhibiting life-threatening behaviors are often committable under grave disability clauses.
- Involuntary commitment should be a last resort for patients refusing voluntary care when safety is compromised.
Implications:
- Severely ill patients may lack decision-making capacity, justifying involuntary treatment, including feeding.
- Civil commitment offers a legal pathway for managing emergent anorexia nervosa cases, ensuring patient safety and therapeutic intervention.
Keywords:
Mental Health Therapies