Medical Treatment For Patients With a Mental Health Disorder

Simon, a 27-year-old man with schizophrenia, is admitted with severe psychosis which is manifested by auditory hallucinations telling him to harm himself. He has refused antipsychotic medication in the community and has been sectioned for treatment of his mental disorder under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act (MHA). During his admission he develops pneumonia, requiring intravenous antibiotics, which he refuses, stating he ‘does not want a drip because it might be poisoned’. The team has a dilemma – although they can treat his psychosis without his consent under the MHA, how should they address his refusal of treatment for his pneumonia?

• In what circumstances can physical problems be treated under the MHA?
• How does the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) apply to patients under section?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Source – Ethics Case Studies from Clinical Ethics and Law (Second Edition), Carolyn Johnston Penelope Bradbury