Psychiatry: Caution is better than indulgence

Anyone who is in a psychological Anyone who is no longer able to make independent decisions about medical treatment due to a crisis can now take precautions with a special advance directive. The German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) has developed a new form specifically designed for mental health situations.

This allows those affected to determine which treatments they want to receive or not receive in the event of an inability to consent. This is particularly important for people with pre-existing mental health conditions, but also in general; after all, anyone can find themselves in a state due to illness or crisis where self-determined decision-making is no longer possible, according to the DGPPN.

"Some illnesses can lead to a loss of understanding of the benefits or risks of a treatment," says Prof. Thomas Pollmächer, chairman of the DGPPN Ethics and Law Commission. In such cases, those affected are considered incapable of consenting – even if they would have wanted a certain treatment if they were healthy.

"In acute psychosis, treatment is often refused even though it is urgently needed," says Pollmächer. A pre-written directive can then ensure that the desired treatment is provided regardless. It is essential that the completed form be signed by hand; an electronic signature is not legally binding. In addition, practical recommendations for treating staff have been developed, and a generally understandable overview of the most important questions has been compiled.

The form itself and information about it can be found on the society's website . To raise awareness of advance directives in the area of ​​mental health, the DGPPN has provided a poster for clinics and practices.