NCJ Number
13668
Journal
American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 131 Issue: 4 Dated: (APRIL 1974) Pages: 381-385
Date Published
1974
Length
5 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF TREATMENT SITUATIONS INVOLVING THE NONCONSENTING, THE CONSENTING UNDER DURESS AND THE VOLUNTARY PATIENT.
Abstract
THE INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS OF DRUG THERAPY, BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PROGRAMS AND OTHER BEHAVIOR-CHANGING TECHNIQUES BRINGS INCREASING ATTENTION TO THE POWER OF PSYCHIATRISTS. THE AUTHOR FOCUSES HIS DISCUSSION ON THE NEED FOR TRULY INFORMED CONSENT AND THE SAFEGUARDS (INCLUDING THE USE OF A MONITORING AGENCY) THAT SHOULD BE APPLIED IN THOSE INSTANCES WHERE THE PATIENT DOES NOT CONSENT TO THE TREATMENT BUT WHERE THE THREE CRITERIA OF DANGEROUSNESS, TREATABILITY, AND INCOMPETENCE ARE OBVIOUSLY PRESENT. IF PSYCHIATRISTS ARE TO RESPOND TO THE NEW PRESSURES, THEY MUST DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF INTERNAL REGULATION THAT WILL SATISFY NOT ONLY THEIR OWN NEEDS BUT THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)