Aspects of food refusal in the elderly: the "hunger strike".
OBJECTIVE
To present food refusal in old age as a means of attempting to control the outcome of intergenerational family conflicts.


METHODS
Two cases are described.


RESULTS
Food refusal does not necessarily arise in the context of a classical eating disorder but may represent a form of protest, or hunger strike.


CONCLUSIONS
Food refusal is seen as distinct from a pure anorectic pattern of behavior. It may be a separate psychobehavioral entity in old age. Behavioral methods may help to encourage a resolution by setting clear limits and encouraging patients to share responsibility in decision making.
Duggal
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A
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Neurodegeneration Research Group (NRG), St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Lawrence
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RM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005195:Family Relations; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009748:Nutrition Disorders; D013315:Stress, Psychological