Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 419-422. doi: 10.1192/pb.30.11.419
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 419-422
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Capacity to consent to treatment in patients with acute mania

Jonathan Beckett, Consultant Psychiatrist

South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, Lambeth Hospital, London

Robert Chaplin

College Research Unit, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, and Directorate of General Adult Psychiatry, Oxfordshire Mental Healthcare NHS Trust, Littlemore Hospital, Oxford, email: rchaplin{at}cru.rcpsych.ac.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients hospitalised with mania who had capacity to consent to treatment, to determine the predictors of capacity and to explore the relationship between detained status and capacity. Fifty in-patients with mania participated in a clinical interview to assess capacity.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (38%) had overall capacity. Capacity was predicted by higher IQ, lower severity of manic symptoms and more episodes of depression; it was not related to voluntary or detained status. The domains of capacity were not hierarchical.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Many patients hospitalised with mania have capacity to make an informed choice regarding treatment even when compulsorily detained. Their capacity should be reviewed frequently and measures adopted to enhance capacity.




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D. OKAI, G. OWEN, H. McGUIRE, S. SINGH, R. CHURCHILL, and M. HOTOPF
Mental capacity in psychiatric patients: Systematic review
The British Journal of Psychiatry, October 1, 2007; 191(4): 291 - 297.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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Informed Consent and Capacity
Siraj Salahudeen
PB Online, 21 Nov 2006 [Full text]