What happens when i tell someone?

For those who don't know, i am suffering from a restrictive type eating disorder, and my bmi is around 15.7. I am a 20 year old female.

My question is:
If I was to tell the doctor, what usually happens? Do they tell your family if you are over 18?

  I don't want to get thrown into a clinic and be force fed..But I think i need help as i cannot go over 2,000 calories on my own.

Many thanks. 

You are an adult, so I don't see why they would inform your family unless you gave them express consent.

Also, they can't force you into treatment.

Original Post by armandounc:

You are an adult, so I don't see why they would inform your family unless you gave them express consent.

Also, they can't force you into treatment.

I think she's in the UK - I  know what you said applies in the US. Is it the same in the UK?

OP - you can always ask the doctor before you tell them anything if you are worried about confidentiality. However, you do need help and you need people on your side. Would it really be so bad if others found out that wanted to help you? Just something to consider.

I am from the UK :)

My relationship with my mother is a huge factor in my ED. She has triggered it. Where as my family don't know, my close friends do know and are fully supporting me. 

Original Post by helen23254:

I am from the UK :)

My relationship with my mother is a huge factor in my ED. She has triggered it. Where as my family don't know, my close friends do know and are fully supporting me. 

Ok, I understand and trust that you know best who will be on your side and who may not be able to help.

I really do think you should have a general convo with your doctor edit: about confidentiality before you open up completely. You do need to get help and you do need to speak to a doctor to do it. Try to keep an open mind though. If you have an open and honest conversation with your doctor and they suggest inpatient treatment it could be a really positive thing. There is no way to know what your doctor will recommend but just keep an open mind. That way you will find the best treatment for you that will help you recover the most quickly.

Sorry I couldn't answer your question about the confidentiality thing - I'm just not familiar with UK rules.

It's fine.

I think they only tell someone if you are threatening suicide or to harm another individual. Where as i only want information :)

I now need the courage to do it! :P

Thanks again. 

Confidentiality is one of the mainstays of medical practice. Of course your GP won't tell anyone. Why would that be any different in the UK from the US? 

I know it's hard to talk about it, but taking the step to tell a doctor is huge and important, and they should be able to give you plenty of information, and support. In all likelihood, your GP will refer you to the local ED service, and you should have an assessment with them relatively quickly (although that depends where in the country you are).

Any time you want to chat, or any other questions about the system here in the UK, let me know. I've seen it from both sides - I'm a final year medical student and I finally got the courage to admit to my own GP that I have an ED just a few months ago.

Best of luck with everything.

xx

I think it won't happen. You're an adult already. Even if you were threatening suicide or bodily harm, they might inform the authorities. Plus, since you're trying to better yourself, there should be no harm that would cause him to tell your parents.

You could always add someone else as your emergency contact. That way, if he does contact anyone (which I doubt he would), it would be that person and not your mother.

Original Post by armandounc:

 

Also, they can't force you into treatment.

Wrong.  The doctor, if believing you are at harm to yourself or your eating disorder is out of control, can get a court order that requires treatment.  I was in partial hospitalization with three people who were involuntarily committed.  It's not that common, but they can for you if you're bad enough and refuse to try to get better.

ETA: Wrong word

I live in the UK and if you are over 18 and dont go with your parents then they are under the confidentiality act (or whatever its called... but you get my drift ).

Oh, and another thought, if they refer you to see someone like a counsellor or eating disorder services and you dont want your parents to know, ask your doctor if he can give them your mobile number and an address of a trusted friend, not your home address.