The Competency Paradox in Somatic Disease
Wall, B.W.
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 45(4): 426-428
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 1943-3662 PMID: 29282232 Document Number: 692273
Westmoreland et al. have reviewed factors associated with provider reluctance to initiate and judicial reluctance to authorize civil commitment and involuntary treatment for persons with severe anorexia nervosa. Their analysis of the legal, medical, and psychiatric elements that affect treatment outcomes contributes to professional understanding of a complex topic. Although their proposal to create guidelines for involuntary treatment for persons with eating disorders may be of clinical utility, guidelines should not be promulgated for the purposes of reaching judicial findings of law.