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PubMed · 16700138

Involuntary outpatient commitment.

Elyn R Saks
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Abstract

This article offers a novel approach to outpatient commitment (OPC). After distinguishing 4 varieties of OPC, the article shows how 3 are easy to justify, whereas "preventive outpatient commitment" (POC) requires more careful scrutiny. The article argues that, as a general matter, POC is not justified, except for on a "one free shot" basis. The hope is that patients will come to appreciate the benefits of treatment in the community and will become voluntarily compliant; after one free shot, they are in a much better position to decide. The consequences of noncompliance are also explored.

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Advance DirectivesCoercionCommitment of Persons with Psychiatric DisordersCommunity Mental Health ServicesDangerous BehaviorHumansInformed ConsentMental CompetencyPersons with Psychiatric DisordersPatient CompliancePsychotropic DrugsTreatment RefusalAnalytical ApproachMental Health TherapiesJournal Article

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Elyn R Saks. Involuntary outpatient commitment.. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-8971.9.1-2.94

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