Cerebral palsy and anorexia nervosa

• Published in: The International journal of eating disorders 2009, Vol.42 (1), p.87-89
• Main Authors: Webb, Kate, Morgan, John, Lacey, J. Hubert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Anorexia; Anorexia nervosa; Anorexia Nervosa - complications; Anorexia Nervosa - psychology; Anorexia Nervosa - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; body image; case studies; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - complications; Cerebral Palsy - psychology; Disability; Disabled Persons - psychology; Eating behavior disorders; Eating disorders; etiology; Female; gaining weight; Headache. Facial pains. Syncopes. Epilepsia. Intracranial hypertension. Brain oedema. Cerebral palsy; Health care; Humans; Medical sciences; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Neurology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; people with disabilities; Professional-Patient Relations - ethics; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self Concept
• ISSN: 0276-3478; 1098-108X
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.20559

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the management of a woman with cerebral palsy and anorexia nervosa. METHOD:: We carried out a literature search and gained consent and a history from the patient. We explored the etiological and ethical issues raised in this case. RESULTS:: Etiological issues are raised, looking at the interaction between physical disability and self-image. Clinical and practical difficulties of caring for a patient with physical disability properly on an eating disorder unit are discussed, as well as ethical issues concerning mental capacity and the use of the mental health act in anorexia nervosa. CONCLUSION:: This case reminds us again that we can learn much from listening to patients. In this instance, service and operational policies on managing disabilities on the unit, were shaped by her input. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009