Terminal anorexia nervosa is a dangerous term: it cannot, and should not, be defined

A recent article (JED 10:23, 2022) proposed defining terminal anorexia to improve access to palliative and hospice care, and to medical aid in dying for a minority of patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN). The authors presented three cases and, for two, the first author participated in their death. Anorexia nervosa is a treatable psychiatric condition for which recovery may be uncertain. We are greatly concerned however regarding implications of applying the label terminal to anorexia nervosa and the risk it will lead to unjustified deaths in individuals whose mental illness impairs their capacity to make a reasoned treatment decision.

Automated summary

This article proposes defining terminal anorexia as a measure to improve access to palliative and hospice care, as well as medical aid in dying. However, there is concern that applying this label to anorexia nervosa may lead to unjustified decisions made by individuals whose mental illness impairs their capacity for rational decision-making.