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Related Experiment Videos

The debate on treating individuals incompetent for execution.

K Heilbrun1, M L Radelet, J Dvoskin

  • 1Forensic Service, Florida State Hospital, Chattahoochee.

The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Mental health professionals face an ethical dilemma when treating death row prisoners found incompetent for execution. Some treatments may be permissible, respecting prisoner wishes while requiring informed consent.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Clinical Ethics
  • Mental Health Law

Background:

  • Ethical considerations arise regarding mental health treatment for death row inmates deemed incompetent for execution.
  • This presents a complex dilemma for mental health professionals navigating legal and ethical standards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore arguments for and against providing mental health treatment to prisoners incompetent for execution.
  • To analyze the ethical implications based on disorder type, treatment goals, and legal competency standards.

Main Methods:

  • The study discusses ethical arguments by examining the nature of mental disorders, treatment modalities, and treatment objectives.
  • It considers the legal standard for competency for execution and its impact on treatment decisions.
Keywords:
Death and EuthanasiaMental Health TherapiesProfessional Patient Relationship

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Main Results:

  • Arguments against treatment include potential harm, disclosure risks, paternalism, clinician impact, public perception, and resource allocation.
  • Arguments for treatment involve respecting prisoner wishes, clarifying values, low treatment risks, and positive milieu impact.

Conclusions:

  • Treating incompetent prisoners may be ethically permissible under specific circumstances.
  • Informed consent from the prisoner is a critical requirement for certain treatment interventions.