In a shocking and controversial move, the NHS is resorting to putting young women with anorexia into comas as a last-ditch effort to force-feed them.
The procedure, which involves sedating patients and placing them in intensive care units for extended periods, has become a growing practice as cases of severe malnutrition linked to anorexia rise across the country.
Putting Patients Under: The Startling Rise in Anorexia Cases
At least six patients have been placed under general anesthesia and kept in intensive care, where they are tube-fed in an effort to bring them to a healthier weight.
One 20-year-old patient, currently in a coma, has been sedated for a staggering 19 days.
Doctors have not set an “exit plan” for her yet, and her treatment continues to spark debate.
Two other patients, both 17 years old, have also undergone this sedation treatment in the past year, with one as recently as November.
Reports indicate that at least three more patients have received similar treatment, including one in Scotland.
Experts Express Concerns About Extreme Treatment Methods
Medical professionals from around the world have raised alarms over this extreme approach.
Dr. Philip Mehler, the founder of the renowned ACUTE eating disorder clinic in the United States, stated that while his clinic handles the most severe cases of anorexia, they have never resorted to putting patients into comas to force-feed them.
He and other experts express deep concern over the risks this treatment poses to the patients, both physically and psychologically.
Dr. Patricia Westmoreland, the clinic’s medical director, called the procedure “hugely concerning,” citing the potential harm to vital organs like the stomach, lungs, and brain.
She also noted the psychological trauma that could result from patients waking up to find their bodies transformed after prolonged sedation, without any therapy to help them cope with such a significant change.
The Troubling Case of the 20-Year-Old in Intensive Care
The 20-year-old woman who has been in a coma for 19 days has a body mass index (BMI) of around 11, far below the healthy range for her age group, which is between 18.5 and 24.9.
Initially, doctors had planned to keep her sedated for up to 11 more weeks, but the hospital’s deep coma management has proven to be extremely challenging.
There is now growing uncertainty about her progress, and there have been setbacks in her treatment.
The hospital has suggested the possibility of transferring her to a specialist eating disorder unit once her coma treatment ends, but this is still pending confirmation.
A spokesperson for the hospital expressed sympathy for the patient and her family during this difficult time.
Legal and Ethical Questions Surrounding the Coma Treatment
In light of the controversial nature of this coma treatment, legal experts and advocacy groups have questioned the ethics behind it.
Last year, a 17-year-old patient was sedated for 12 days, and during the court hearing, the official solicitor representing the teenager raised concerns, particularly about the psychological effects of the procedure.
However, the court ultimately allowed the treatment to proceed, under the supervision of medical professionals.
The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) has drafted unpublished guidelines for hospitals on the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of using this coma treatment.
These guidelines are being reviewed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to ensure the treatment can be safely carried out.
A Surge in Eating Disorder Cases Among Children
The rising number of children hospitalized for eating disorders is alarming.
A recent study published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal revealed a staggering 515% increase in hospital admissions for eating disorders between 2012 and 2022.
The number of children waiting for treatment has also surged, with over 10,600 kids in England on waiting lists, compared to just over 5,000 in 2016/2017.
These figures point to the growing crisis of eating disorders among young people, with delays in receiving treatment further exacerbating the situation.
Last year, some children waited over a year before receiving the care they desperately needed.
NHS Defends the Coma Treatment as a Last Resort
In response to the controversy, an NHS England spokesperson explained that in “incredibly rare and complex circumstances,” coma sedation might be used as a final measure to save a patient’s life after all other treatments have been exhausted.
The spokesperson emphasized that clinicians must explore all available options to provide effective and proven treatments, but in these extreme cases, this approach might be necessary to prevent imminent death.
As this treatment continues to spark debate, the NHS, FICM, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have been approached for further comment.
The situation remains under scrutiny as medical professionals, families, and advocates weigh the pros and cons of using coma sedation in the treatment of severe anorexia.