Occupation focused assessment and intervention for clients with anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is widely described as a severe and enduring illness, characterized by repeated relapses (Lay et al, 2002; Carter et al, 2004; Richard et al, 2005). Nosological classification of anorexia does not indicate the severe and multifaceted difficulty experienced by sufferers in all areas of occupational functioning (Henderson, 1998). Lim and Agnew (1994) proposed that alongside treating psychological issues and weight restoration, treatment intervention in anorexia should involve facilitating a change in lifestyle, with adaptive participation in meaningful life occupations.