Discursive Essay

SHOULD WE FORCE FEED SUFFERERS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA ?

• ‘Anorexia has become an epidemic in our culture. Many blame society and the media as they constantly push ideals of the ultra-skinny model to younger and younger women (and now men). In the grip of this mental illness, it becomes necessary to make the decisions that the patient cannot make for themselves: to prioritise the life of the individual over their dignity. Sometimes this means that force feeding is a necessary treatment.’
• ‘Force feeding patients who are vulnerable and under a great deal of stress can be both physically and mentally harmful. It leaves the patient in a position that they feel they cannot trust their doctors.’