About a Case: The Difficulty in Making Decisions in Cases of Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

We reflect on the case of a 22 year old woman with Anorexia Nerviosa (AN) of 6 years of evolution. We deliberate on the best decision to guarantee the rights of the patient. Based on bioethical principles, regarding the autonomy, the refusal of the patient to receive treatment can be demonstrative of their lack of capacity. If we respect the will of a person who temporarily has no capacity to make decisions, we will cause damage by depriving him of treatment. The principle of non-maleficence requires a risk / benefit analysis, taking into account that we can not harm the patient with our decisions. One of the therapeutic options is to establish a Guardianship regime that regulates their admission to a Specialized Care Unit in another Autonomous Community. This raises a conflict with the principle of justice, since the Canary Islands only have 4 beds for the hospitalization of patients with ACT.