| Abstract: | This paper explores the development of the informed consent doctrine as it relates to psychiatric practice. The contribution of the issues of civil commitment and the right to refuse treatment to current developments in the informed consent doctrine is also addressed. Special informed consent issues are related to specific categories of psychiatric treatments. Basic in formed consent requirements in psychiatry are seen as still in the formative stages but the constitutional law and common-law foundations for further developments are outlined. The complicated clinical, ethical, and legal issues involved in modern psychiatric treatment are stimulating new interest and concern about the informed consent doctrine throughout medical practice. |
