Mental Health: Ethical Issues

I.                Mental Illness 

A.              Definition

B.              Impact of Mental Illness 

1.               Person

2.               Societal 

II.              Involuntary Commitment due to Mental Illness 

A.              Viewpoints on Involuntary Commitment 

1.               Abolitionists

2.               Medical Model Psychiatrists

3.               Civil Liberties Lawyers 

B.              Ethical Principles Related to Involuntary Commitment 

1.               Autonomy

2.               Paternalism

3.               Justice

4.               Respect 

C.             Legal Precedent 

1.               O'Connor v. Donaldson 

III.            Ethical Issues in Care of Demented Patients 

A.              Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure of Diagnosis 

B.              Decisional Capacity

1.               Autonomy

2.               Paternalism 

C.             Participation in Research 

IV.            Ethical Issues in the Care of the Mentally Retarded. 

A.    Involuntary Sterilization

B.    Participation in Research