Depression,possibilities, and competence: A phenomenological perspective |
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Authors: | Gerben Meynen |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Philosophy and EMGO Institute, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Competent decision-making is required for informed consent. In this paper, I aim, from a phenomenological perspective, to
identify the specific facets of competent decision-making that may form a challenge to depressed patients. On a phenomenological
account, mood and emotions are crucial to the way in which human beings encounter the world. More precisely, mood is intimately
related to the options and future possibilities we perceive in the world around us. I examine how possibilities should be
understood in this context, and how, in depression, decision-making might be compromised. I suggest that, based on this analysis,
a specific emphasis and alertness in assessments of competence in depressed patients is called for. In fact, close attention
should be paid to the range of future possibilities depressed patients are able to perceive. In addition, providing environmental
cues to these patients might be one way of enhancing their decision-making capacity. The practical suggestions arrived at
are open to empirical research. |
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