Perceptions of the Use of Compulsory Detention in Treatment of People with Eating Disorders

Abstract

To examine the perceived acceptability of compulsory detention in treatment of an individual with severe anorexia nervosa amongst a sample of members of the general population, 151 participants read vignettes describing the compulsory detention of a female patient with a Body Mass Index of 12.4. The vignettes systematically varied along three dimensions: patients' reaction, immediate outcome (psychological state), and long-term outcome (attendance at out-patient appointments). Acceptability was measured using the Treatment Evaluation Inventory. There were significant main effects of psychological outcome and the long-term treatment outcome. The main effect of the patients' reaction to the detention was not significant, but there was a significant interaction for psychological outcome and long-term outcome, such that good attendance at out-patient appointments increased ratings of acceptability more markedly when a good psychological outcome had been secured. The outcome of treatment exerts a strong influence on ratings of acceptability. Individuals who have no direct experience with eating disorders endorse treatments that are effective irrespective of the patients' feelings about the treatment.