Abstract

FIGUEROA, Gustavo. "The case of Ellen West": medical ethics on the threshold of anorexia nervosa. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.2, pp.104-112. ISSN 2007-1523.

The case of Ellen West was published before anorexia nervosa was conceived as a clinical entity and previous to the birth of bioethics. This study seeks to understand the moral issues that Binswanger followed according to traditional medical ethics. Three dimensions are outstanding: formation of a firm pact based on trust, prudent judgments and virtues as personal excellences, which shaped the psychotherapeutic dialogue. In addition, he respected the professional secrecy, communication of alternative therapies and a dialogue based on saying and uncovering the truth. The final suicide was foreseen but he respected it as a choice of a project of existence although failed.

Keywords : anorexia nervosa; Ellen West; bioethics; suicide; existence.

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