Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: Update and observations about the current clinical reality

Abstract

Several objectives underlie the current article. First, to review historical diagnostic issues and clinical strategies for treating SE‐AN. Second, to provide an overview of recent evidence informed strategies and clinical innovations for the treatment of SE‐AN. Third, based on the authors' collective clinical and research experience, we offer eight observations that we believe capture the current clinical experience of patients with SE‐AN. Some of these observations represent empirically testable hypotheses, but all are designed to generate a meaningful discussion about the treatment of this group of individuals with eating disorders. Finally, we hope to call clinicians, scientists, professional organizations, advocates, and policy makers to action to attend to critical issues related to the care of individuals with SE‐AN. We believe that an international discussion could clarify areas of need for these patients and identify opportunities for clinical innovation that would enhance the lives of individuals with SE‐AN and their families.