The dilemma of denial in the assessment of competency to refuse treatment

Abstract

To illustrate the dilemma in evaluating and treating patients who deny their illness, the authors present the case of a woman with paranoia who denied she was ill and refused medication. They focus specifically on the issue of whether a patient who denies his or her illness is truly legally competent to refuse or consent to treatment. They conclude that the assessment of such competency requires a consideration of the accuracy of the patient's "appreciation of the nature of his or her situation" and that safeguards have to be built into a system for evaluating competency along these lines to prevent abuse.