MARSIPAN: management of really sick patients with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

SUMMARYAnorexia nervosa is a potentially fatal illness that affects women and a smaller proportion of men. When a patient becomes so severely ill that admission to a medical unit is required, the risk of a poor outcome is high. Most medical services do not have sufficient expertise, without psychiatric help, to manage the nutritional, medical, behavioural and family problems that often appear. These problems interact and this can adversely affect outcome. This article discusses, with reference to the MARSIPAN report, the procedure that should be followed when such a patient presents to an acute medical service. It considers diagnosis, risk assessment, consent, re-feeding syndrome, underfeeding syndrome and treatment-sabotaging behaviours. It stresses the importance of collaboration between expert medical and psychiatric staff, and involvement of the family. When these issues are adequately addressed, the outcome for the patient is more likely to be positive.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Be confident in diagnosing individuals with anorexia nervosa and identify when urgent in-patient medical treatment is required•Be confident in assessing and managing physical risk in individuals with anorexia nervosa•Be aware of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ MARSIPAN report and its implications for the management of individuals with eating disorders in medical settingsDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.