Ep 23. Identical Twins Starving to Death: Who's to Blame?

Identical Twins Starving to Death: Who's to Blame? is the twenty-third episode of the fifteenth season of the Dr. Phil Show. The episode centers around the story of identical twins, Amanda and Sara Eldritch, who have been battling anorexia for over a decade. The twins' condition has deteriorated to such a degree that they are both in critical condition and are at risk of dying due to complications arising from their anorexia.

Amanda and Sara's mother, Julie, appears on the show alongside the twins' stepfather, Michael, to discuss the circumstances surrounding their daughters' condition. Julie reveals that the twins began exhibiting signs of anorexia when they were just 10 years old, after seeing images of thin models in magazines and on television. Despite receiving treatment for their eating disorder over the years, the twins' condition has continued to worsen.

The episode examines the various factors that may have contributed to the twins' anorexia, including family dynamics and societal pressure to be thin. Dr. Phil delves into the girls' childhoods and upbringing, questioning the role that Julie and Michael may have played in enabling their daughters' disorder by placing too much emphasis on their appearance and weight.

The twins are also interviewed, revealing their struggles with anorexia and their fears about the future. They express frustration with the medical professionals who have treated them over the years, claiming that they were not adequately equipped to handle their disorder and often made them feel worse about themselves in the process.

Through the course of the episode, Dr. Phil stresses the importance of seeking professional treatment for eating disorders and emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding when dealing with those who suffer from these illnesses. He also acknowledges the difficulty of treating anorexia, recognizing that it is a complex disorder that involves both physical and psychological factors.

Overall, Identical Twins Starving to Death: Who's to Blame? is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on the devastating consequences of anorexia. The show offers a glimpse into the lives of those struggling with this disorder and encourages viewers to approach the issue with sensitivity and compassion.