Involuntary psychiatric treatment

Definition

Involuntary psychiatric treatment refers to the practice of providing mental health treatment to individuals without their consent, typically when they are deemed a danger to themselves or others. It involves interventions such as hospitalization or medication administration without the individual's agreement.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The principle that individuals have the right to be fully informed about any medical treatments being proposed and give their voluntary agreement before proceeding.

Patient Autonomy: The idea that patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including whether or not they agree to receive specific treatments.

Civil Commitment: A legal process through which an individual with severe mental illness may be involuntarily hospitalized for evaluation and/or treatment if they are considered a danger to themselves or others.