Thursday, September 29, 2011
Anorexia
A 21 year old woman with anorexia is recruited by a local hospital for a research trial that will examine certain chemical levels in the blood and spinal fluid of those with anorexia. The trial involves removing blood and spinal fluid every day for three weeks. The woman is told that the study is not likely to be of benefit to her; it is only for general knowledge of the condition. She readily agrees to enter the trial. However, a nurse working with her worries that people with anorexia are often motivated by masochistic tendencies. Should she be allowed to enter the trial?
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Yes she should be allowed to enter the trial. First she is competent to make medical decisions. Secondly the masochism shouldn’t have any negative effects on her entry in the study, in fact the patient’s masochistic tendencies could in fact help her better tolerate such an invasive diagnostic procedure such as a lumbar puncture.
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