Citation

Sullivan MD, Ward NG, Laxton A. Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry 1992; 14(3): 204-209.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0163-8343(92)90085-o

PMID

1601298

Abstract

A case involving an elderly woman suffering concurrently from serious psychiatric and medical illnesses is presented. Ethical considerations concerning her treatment on a medical-psychiatry unit are discussed with special attention to her requests for both electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status. The compatibility of simultaneous requests for ECT and DNR is examined on three levels. The effect of depression upon competence to request and refuse treatment is analyzed. This case illustrates a conflict between medical and psychiatric treatment goals and ethical traditions which will become more common as psychiatrists treat older and more medically ill patients.

Language: en

Keywords

Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Comprehension; Death and Euthanasia; Depressive Disorder; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Female; Humans; Informed Consent; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Mental Health Therapies; Mentally Ill Persons; Personal Autonomy; Professional Patient Relationship; Resuscitation Orders; Sick Role; Suicide