Title

The MacArthur Treatment Competence Study. I: Mental illness and competence to consent to treatment

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry

Publication Date

1995-04-01

Document Type

Article

Subjects

Cognition; Communication; Comprehension; Control Groups; Decision Making; Depressive Disorder; *Empirical Research; *Evaluation Studies as Topic; Heart Diseases; Humans; *Informed Consent; Institutionalization; Jurisprudence; *Mental Competency; *Mentally Ill Persons; Methods; Patients; Psychiatry; *Reference Standards; *Research; Research Design; Schizophrenia; Treatment Refusal; United States

Disciplines

Psychiatry

Abstract

This is the first of three papers reporting the results of the MacArthur Treatment CompetenceStudy, a project designed to develop reliable and valid information with which to address clinical and policy questions regarding the abilities of persons with mental illness to make decisions about psychiatric treatment. Four commonly applied legal standards for determining decision-making competence are described: abilities to communicate a choice, understand relevant information, appreciate the nature of the situation and its likely consequences, and rationally manipulate information. Previous research related to the capacities of persons with mental illness in relation to these standards is reviewed and critiqued. The principles underlying the design of the MacArthur Treatment Competence Study are described.

Source

Law Hum Behav. 1995 Apr;19(2):105-26.

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Law and human behavior

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

11660290

Link to Full Text

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