Aspects of food refusal in the elderly: The ?hunger strike?

✍ Scribed by Duggal, Anita ;Lawrence, Robert M.

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 124 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0276-3478
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.1075

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Objective

To present food refusal in old age as a means of attempting to control the outcome of intergenerational family conflicts.

Method

Two cases are described.

Results

Food refusal does not necessarily arise in the context of a classical eating disorder but may represent a form of protest, or hunger strike.

Discussion

Food refusal is seen as distinct from a pure anorectic pattern of behavior. It may be a separate psychobehavioral entity in old age. Behavioral methods may help to encourage a resolution by setting clear limits and encouraging patients to share responsibility in decision making. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 30: 213–216, 2001.