Comments on: Anorexia Nervosa

By: LC

LC — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:27:18 +0000

As the author of this article, I would like to just add that the initial quote about people with anorexia being ‘notoriously difficult’ was meant to highlight the unhelpful light in which they are often viewed, rather than presenting this as a fact.

The full article was actually on the topic of stages of change, and while the first ‘goal’ is outlined as the person beginning to think about the need for change, that does not mean that nutritional rehabilitation is not taking place while moving towards this first goal. In this sense, motivation IS a sign of recovery, ie. first goal achieved.

By: Editor

Editor — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:29:40 +0000

Good point Laura. It is important to acknowledge the impact of nutrition on the mind and how this affects recovery… and as such advocating a multi-disciplinary approach would be the way to go.

But as the post stated, “people with anorexia are notoriously difficult persons who are determined to hang on to their symptoms at all costs”. Thus, the mental health professional plays an important role in motivating the client towards change – and that change will start with their new eating habits.

By: Laura Collins

Laura Collins — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:56:41 +0000

“Therefore the initial goal of treatment is simply for people to begin thinking about change.”

I would argue that motivation to change is a sign of, not a method to achieve, recovery.

People eating even a fraction less than their body requires will suffer from disordered thoughts about food and eating. Only when free of that medical impediment can the patient truly engage in therapy and learn skills and gain insight – or motivation.

Treatment that does not require full nutrition from the beginning has a very poor track record. Patients deserve better.