Ethical considerations for consent to treatment in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

About the Course:

This study examined the ability of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) to make treatment decisions.

Journal/Publisher:

Wiley Interscience Journal, International Journal of Eating Disorders

Publication Date:

December 2011

Authors

Sheri L. Turrell, PhD; Michele Peterson-Badali, PhD; Debra K. Katzman MD, FRCP(C)

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for psychologists and social workers who seek empirically based knowledge about consent to treatment in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Course Objectives:

1. Discuss why the concept of capacity is of legal and ethical importance as it relates to adolescents in general, and those who suffer from anorexia nervosa, more specifically.

2. Describe the four criteria that define capacity to consent to treatment.

3. Identify reasons that contribute to patients’ reluctance to engage in weight restoration treatment.

4. Understand the reasoning deficits in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, as found in this study.