The MacArthur Treatment Competence Study. I: Mental illness and competence to consent to treatment
Appelbaum, Paul S. ; Grisso, Thomas
Citations
Authors
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
UMass Chan Affiliations
Document Type
Publication Date
Keywords
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
Psychiatry
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Link to Full Text
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.