The importance of including occupational therapists as part of the multidisciplinary team in the management of eating disorders: a narrative review incorporating lived experience.

The literature demonstrates the importance of utilizing a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of eating disorders, however there is limited literature identifying the optimal team of professionals for providing comprehensive and effective care. It is widely accepted that the multidisciplinary treatment team should include a physician, a mental health professional, and a dietitian, but there is minimal literature explaining what other professionals should be involved in the medical assessment and management of eating disorders. Additional team members might include a psychiatrist, therapist, social worker, activity therapist, or occupational therapist. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who help their clients participate in the daily activities, referred to as occupations, that they have to do, want to do, and enjoy doing. Many factors (e.g., medical, psychological, cognitive, physical) can impact a person's ability to actively engage in their occupations. When a person has an eating disorder, it is likely that all four of the aforementioned factors will be affected, thus individuals undergoing treatment for an eating disorder benefit from the incorporation of occupational therapy in supporting their recovery journey. This narrative review strives to provide education on the role of the occupational therapist in treating eating disorders and the need for increased inclusion of this profession on the multidisciplinary team. Additionally, this narrative review offers insight into an individual's personal experience with occupational therapy (i.e., lived experience) during her battle for eating disorder recovery and the unique value that occupational therapy offered her as she learned to manage her eating disorder. Research suggests that occupational therapy should be included in multidisciplinary teams focused on managing eating disorders as it empowers individuals to return to activities that bring personal meaning and identity.

The recommended approach for individuals participating in treatment for an eating disorder involves the use of a multidisciplinary treatment team which includes a physician, dietitian, and a mental health provider. Sometimes a psychiatrist, social worker, activity therapist, and/or an occupational therapist might also be included in this team. Occupational therapy addresses an individual's ability to engage in meaningful daily activities. The ability to actively participate in these activities is impacted when an individual has an eating disorder. Therefore, research suggests that eating disorder treatment include occupational therapy to best support the individual in working toward and maintaining recovery, and ultimately empowering them in living life to the fullest.

Responding to "Terminal anorexia nervosa: three cases and proposed clinical characteristics".

The treatment of eating disorders raises many ethical debates given the pervasiveness with which this illness impacts individuals, especially as the length of time with the illness increases. A recent case study supported the appropriateness of pursuing medical aid in dying for individuals with eating disorders who wish to end their fight with their disorder. This correspondence raises concerns related to this controversial proposal as the current authors dispute that the use of medical aid in dying for individuals with eating disorders is ethically judicious or appropriate. Additionally, this correspondence highlights additional treatment implications that should be considered when trying to provide individuals with eating disorders with the best evidence-based care possible, with the goal of promoting steps toward recovery.