LETTERS

Re “Starving for medical help,” April 3

Medi-Cal patients aren’t the only ones who have difficulty getting appropriate treatment for anorexia nervosa. Privately insured patients are also denied coverage for specialized care on a regular basis. Genes are responsible for much of the disorder, and 75% of patients who begin treatment in adolescence improve or recover fully. Yet, as poignantly described in The Times, family members often blame patients, and patients blame themselves.

Without treatment, anorexia nervosa kills more people than any other psychiatric disorder. We need to do a better job educating patients and their families, the public and insurance companies. This article was a good start.

Linda Schack MD

Torrance

The writer is the team leader for medical stabilization for patients with eating disorders at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.