I've had anorexia for 8 months now. I'm 5 ft. 6 in. tall and weigh 75 lbs. I've been given an eating plan by my therapist which I'm trying to stick to, but I've started taking diet pills because I don't want to put on weight. Can this do harm to my body and could I stop seeing my doctor if I wanted to or can you be forced to see the doctor?Answered by:Evelyn Attia
Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening disorder that is characterized by reluctance or refusal to maintain normal weight together with exaggerated fear of fat or weight gain. Low weight has been associated with multiple medical problems including anemia, slow heart rate, bone loss, liver and kidney damage and sudden death.
Diet pills are potentially dangerous because they often contain stimulant ingredients that can stress the heart, and because they keep you from doing what you need to do most -- feed yourself adequate nutrition. Different states and countries have different rules about involuntary (forced) treatment.
Generally, treatment teams and families work hard to help patients accept treatment in order to avoid involuntary arrangements.
Evelyn Attia, M.D.
Director, Eating Disorders Research Program
Dr. Evelyn Attia is The Director of The Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at NYSPI/CUMC, and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Dr. Attia received an A.B. from Princeton University, and an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Formerly the director of NYSPI's inpatient eating disorders program, Dr. Attia is currently studying the psychobiology and treatment of anorexia nervosa. She has received a Young Investigator Award from the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD),...
>>> Read more info
