Parental medical neglect in the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Objective: Although childhood sexual abuse has been a frequent focus of res earch on eating disorders, other forms of maltreatment have been less commo nly reported. Parental medical neglect is examined in this study as having serious consequences for the treatment and prognosis of patients with anore xia nervosa. Method: Two case studies illustrate parental interference with treatment in which Child Protective Services (CPS) had to be involved in c ompliance with state law. Two adolescent females who were admitted for trea tment for anorexia nervosa are presented. Results: In both cases, the paren ts refused to comply with the recommendations of the treatment team, placin g their children's health in jeopardy. In compliance with reporting guideli nes, CPS was notified in both cases. Conclusions: Clinicians who treat mine rs with anorexia nervosa must consider parental compliance with treatment. Indications for the involvement of CPS are outlined. Optimally, this notifi cation can ensure that the patient and family receive the requisite treatme nt. (C) 2001 by John Wiley St Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 29: 358-362, 2001 .