NEDA TOOLKIT for Parents
The definition of incapacitated and non-competent will
vary from area to area and judge to judge. Although
these orders are granted for individuals with eating
disorders, they can be difficult to obtain, especially
since some eating disordered individuals genuinely do
not believe there is a problem. This can convince some
judges that the person is fine. For all of these types
of actions, the advice of lawyers and of the medical
community is paramount to a successful outcome.
Often, knowing that a loved one is able and willing
to require treatment is enough to get the eating
disordered person to back down and enter treatment
themselves. Studies have shown that many eating
disorder sufferers who felt coerced into treatment
ultimately acknowledged that the treatment was
necessary and life-saving.
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