Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This paper intends to reconceptualise anorexia. The theoretical foundation of the work engages cross-disciplinary ideas, literature, and methods to analyse and introduce the meaning-centred approach in mental health practice. At the heart of the paper is a clearly argued critique of orthodox approaches to dealing with the complex issues engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa, and the relevant domestic laws and international human rights instruments. In contesting the blanket medicalisation of anorexia nervosa as a mental health condition under the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), and the applicability of the Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, this paper contributes in originality and contribution of new knowledge as it convincingly argues that the powers extant under mental health law to ultimately detain and enforce treatment of anorexic bodies are a breach of international human rights law. In particular, Articles 3, 5 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), UDHR, and international instruments protecting the rights of disabled persons, are demonstrably contradicted by these dominant human rights provisions. Furthermore, the original research conducted in Cross River State, Nigeria and evaluated to support the suggesting of a meaning-centred approach to dealing with anorexia, is ground breaking. Also, a noted strength of the paper is the application of cross-disciplinary concepts and analyses that expose in a critical way, the interconnection between bio-medics, sociology, mental health law and practice and human rights. Such inter-disciplinary approaches engages vast literature and complexity.