Attitudes of patients with anorexia nervosa to compulsory treatment and coercion.
BACKGROUND
The compulsory treatment of anorexia nervosa is a contentious issue. Research suggests that patients are often subject to compulsion and coercion even without formal compulsory treatment orders. Research also suggests that patients suffering from anorexia nervosa can change their minds in retrospect about compulsion.


METHODS
Qualitative interviewing methods were used to explore the views of 29 young women concerning compulsion and coercion in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The participants were aged between 15 to 26years old, and were suffering or had recently suffered from anorexia nervosa at the time of interview.


RESULTS
Compulsion and formal compulsory treatment of anorexia nervosa were considered appropriate where the condition was life-threatening. The perception of coercion was moderated by relationships. What mattered most to participants was not whether they had experienced restriction of freedom or choice, but the nature of their relationships with parents and mental health professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
People with anorexia nervosa appear to agree with the necessity of compulsory treatment in order to save life. The perception of coercion is complex and not necessarily related to the degree of restriction of freedom.
Tan
Jacinta O A
JOA
The Ethox Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Electronic address: j.o.a.tan@swansea.ac.uk.
Stewart
Anne
A
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Fitzpatrick
Raymond
R
Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Hope
Tony
T
The Ethox Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001290:Attitude; D003068:Coercion; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult