Consent to Neuroleptic Medication for Schizophrenia: Clinical, Ethical and Legal Issues

Abstract

It is proposed that clinicians employ a proforma to record attempts to obtain informed consent during routine clinical practice.

Surgically Implantable Long-term Antipsychotic Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

“…While issues of informed consent for treatment of psychosis are not unique to surgical implants, the invasive nature of the procedure requires careful attention to protect patient autonomy (Brabbins et al 1996;Carpenter and Conley 1999;Wong et al 2000). Consistent with this goal, one advantage of implantable antipsychotic preparations would be that patients could make treatment decisions during periods of relative health.…”

Incapacity to give informed consent owing to mental disorder

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] For some disorders, these conditions are indeed appropriately identified as those which at times cannot be met owing to the mental disorder. Some mental disorders prevent patients from understanding the nature and purposes of a medical intervention, or prevent patients from choosing decisively, or prevent patients from communicating their consent.…”

Increased patient autonomy through long-term antipsychotic delivery systems for the treatment of schizophrenia

“…Use of antipsychotic implants would however require safeguards to ensure that patients are able to provide informed consent. While issues of informed consent for treatment of psychosis are not unique to surgical implants, the invasive nature of the procedure requires careful attention to protect patient autonomy [10][11][12].…”