Chapter 2: Ethical and Social Issues in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Managing ethical and social concerns are an inevitable part of clinical practice across disciplines. When and how to terminate treatment, how to manage risk, how to maximize access to care, how to preserve clients’ autonomy, among many others, are questions treatment providers regularly face. While clear guidelines and prescriptions for conduct are available in many cases, at other times, choosing an appropriate course of action is anything but straightforward. Conflicting priorities coupled with limited available guidance substantially complicate decision-making. Navigating such matters can be considerably more challenging when applied to the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), owing to their complexity and profound consequences, which may be life-threatening. Very often, the stakes are high, and no course of action may prove entirely satisfying.