Abstract
Psychiatry and the law interface on the issue of informed consent in a singular way, because of the nature of the psychiatric patient. In the 1970's, with the increase in societal consciousness about psychiatric treatment and commitment procedures, principles regarding informed consent in psychiatric practice have been enunciated in case law. Some fundamental conflicts between psychiatry and the law remain, however, leaving the patient in the middle. No methods of care have been designed by religious and professional groups who oppose psychiatric treatment for those patients who “refuse” treatment. Systematic research is needed to test methods of consent and contents of consent disclosure.
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