My 16 year old friend is struggling with bulimia/anorexia. For the past month she hasnt been eating, and if she has she throws it up. I am the only one she has told and i have finally convinced her to see a doctor. She is worried about her mom finding out though from the doctor. Because she is underage, is the doctor required to tell her mom about her disorder or is her secret safe in the doctors hands?
Also, this maybe a dumb question, but is there medicine a doctor can give her? What will a doctor do for her?
2006-08-10 20:17:05 · 7 answers · asked by kristen4562 3 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
If she is a danger to herself or others, confidentiality may be waived. However, if she is volluntarily seeing the doctor and follows his/her advice, the doctor may adhere to the confidentiality rule. A good thing to do is to call the doctor ahead of time and have her talk to them. She can ask the questions to them and get the answers she needs to be comfortable with the situation. Because she is concerned about her parents, I would like to add (as I'm sure you have told her, being such a great friend) that her parents are supposed to be her safety net. When she gets in too deep, they are the ones who are supposed to swim out and pull her back in. She is lucky to have such a supportive and caring friend. I wish there were more people like you in the world.
2006-08-10 20:25:27 · answer #1 · answered by The Apple Chick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Her doctor, legally, will not be able to tell anyone - especially not her parents. If she were under 16, the doctor would not be able to tell her parents anything, but he would have to, legally, answer all their questions honestly [which means if they asked 'does my daughter have an eating disorder?', he would have to say yes]. Because she is 16, however, he will not be able to tell anyone.
That said, if the doctor feels she is in direct danger to herself, he may put her in a hospital. Its unlikely, but it CAN happen.
There is no medication or 'cure' for anorexic/bulimia. The doctor will let your friend have someone to talk to, however, and will be able to keep track of her body, so that she may be able to stop some of the damage she is doing and has already done.
The doctor will most likely try and get your friend to go to a counselor.
Bottom line, though: anything she says to the doctor stays between her and the doctor.
Good luck.
2006-08-11 12:39:33 · answer #2 · answered by Mary 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Completly and absolutly confidental. Unless the doctor finds that it has turned into a life threatening condition, gotten so bad, then he/she will be abligated by law to report it. There are no perscription medications that I am aware of but good freind that belive in her and help raise her selfestem are very important.
2006-08-10 20:33:32 · answer #3 · answered by Josh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but only if her parents inquire will they tell them the information. Best bet is to go to the health department and remain anonymous. Anorexia/Bulimia is a mental problem,they do have drug that can increase the appetite, but she would also need mental counseling
2006-08-10 20:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by rockwithelmo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the doctor is required to tell her mom. The doctor will more than likely put her in rehab, which she needs. AND if you are a REAL friend, you would tell her mom yourself...but of course that is only if you care about your friend not killing herself. IF you don't care...just keep the secret!!!!!!! AND YOU WILL HAVE ONE LESS FRIEND TO NOT TELL ON!!!!
2006-08-11 00:58:21 · answer #5 · answered by pussy_kat_365 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've got faith the ACLU has a publication you may order that discusses an underage affected person's rights. you additionally can look up the word on google, and look at particularly some the, "sufferers' invoice of rights". i could be slightly careful of those, however. not a lot of folk knew/cared/or instructed me of my rights, whilst i replaced into institutionalised, at that age. nonetheless, that's regulation, however she could be seen to be a injury to herself, which ameliorations issues. some drugs (particularly some the antidepressants, case in point) are pronounced to be efficient with ana and mia, yet medical care is maximum probable (somewhat, a mix is maximum probable, or replaced into, whilst i replaced into youthful - immediately, it may in simple terms be pills). you're a pal. stay along with her. combat for her. you have rights, too; extra desirable rights than a ill woman. use them, with a will.
2016-10-01 22:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well for one I believe that your friend should undergo counseling. It would be beneficial to her.
As far as Dr. Patient confidentiality it does not count for her parents, especially if she is on their insurance because they will have to sign for it.
I say keep talking to her and try and persuade her to tell her parents. If she feels like she needs help then she knows she has a problem and it is best to tell her parents so that they can help her through her problem.
2006-08-10 20:24:01 · answer #7 · answered by Cris 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋