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Ethics
Capacity assessment and intervention in 56-yr-old man with schizophrenia
Article first published online: 23 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1002/msj.20029
© 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Issue
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine: A Journal of Translational and Personalized Medicine
Volume 75, Issue 2, pages 153–155, March/April 2008
Additional Information
How to Cite
Schlechter, A. (2008), Capacity assessment and intervention in 56-yr-old man with schizophrenia. Mt Sinai J Med, 75: 153–155. doi: 10.1002/msj.20029
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 MAY 2008
- Article first published online: 23 MAY 2008
- Abstract
- Cited By
Keywords:
- schizophrenia;
- medication adherence;
- medical ethisc;
- decisional capacity
Abstract
The importance of the doctor-patient relationship among patients with schizophrenia is especially evident within the context of medication adherence. The association between patients' positive perception of their psychiatrist and medication adherence has been established in several studies. This is the case of a 56-year-old man with schizophrenia and multiple medical problems who is refusing to take any medications. We discuss the risks and benefits of having a patient declared incompetent along with assessing the patient's capacity. The case highlights situations when a physician might question a patient's decisional capacity but conclude that the decision should be accepted so as to maintain rapport with the patient and continue treatment. Mt Sinai J Med 75:153–155, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine