The Dangers of 'Terminal Anorexia' and Social Contagions

The Case of Jane Allen and Assisted Suicide

• 💡 An op-ed from the Denver Post details the tragic story of Jane Allen, who was offered assisted suicide due to her anorexia.
• ⚠️ Jane was diagnosed with "terminal anorexia" by a boutique eating disorder clinic, leading her to receive a lethal prescription.
• 📌 Her father intervened at the last minute, saving her life and having the lethal drugs destroyed.
• 💔 Jane later recovered and built a new life, but tragically died from complications of long-term starvation.

The Concept of 'Terminal Anorexia'

• 🔬 A 2022 paper in the Journal of Eating Disorders proposed the diagnosis of "terminal anorexia nervosa" for a minority of severe cases.
• 🚫 This paper suggested that some patients with anorexia nervosa may inevitably die from its medical consequences.
• ⚠️ A rejoinder in the same journal argued that "terminal anorexia nervosa" is a dangerous term, lacking diagnostic criteria and potentially leading to unjustified deaths.
• 💬 The rejoinder highlighted concerns that such a label could counter hope for recovery and increase demand for physician-assisted suicide.

Social Contagions and Naming Phenomena

• 🧠 The discussion draws parallels between "terminal anorexia" and the concept of social contagions.
• 🗣️ Naming a condition, as seen with bulimia nervosa, can inadvertently spread it, especially among susceptible populations like young women.
• 📈 The thread by Mia Hughes is cited, illustrating how bulimia nervosa and a new type of gender dysphoria spread rapidly after being named and publicized.
• ⚠️ The introduction of a "terminal anorexia" diagnosis is seen as potentially harmful, mirroring the spread of other social contagions.

The Importance of Hope in Mental Health

• 🚫 It is argued that introducing the idea of "terminal anorexia" is a horrific act that takes away hope from individuals struggling with mental illness.
• 🆘 For those in the throes of mental crisis, whether related to eating disorders, gender identity, or other issues, the focus should be on support and recovery, not on labels that suggest inevitability or hopelessness.
• ⚠️ The speaker questions why anyone in a position of authority would add a term like "terminal" to a questionable diagnosis, especially without clear criteria, when the opposite approach is needed for those with mental health struggles.