Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex disorder of unclear aetiology, nowadays one of the most serious chronic diseases of adolescent girls and young women. Severe weight loss and associated behaviours may endanger anorexic patients' lives. A characteristic for the disorder the reluctance in accepting treatment can lead in such situations to the necessity of involuntary treatment. The authors have presented indications for hospitalization as well as have discussed consequences, short- and longterm effectiveness of coercion measures in therapy of anorexia. The necessity of further investigations on this problem has been stresssed, particulary connected with good prognosis in the involuntary treatment. The lack of one-valued legal bases for involuntary treatment of anorexia in polish legislation has been mentioned as well as the lack of proper medical outposts providing them complex treatment.