Ethical dilemmas in drug treatments

Abstract

A 45-year-old woman with a long history of schizoaffective symptoms associated with disruptive and antisocial behaviour refused to cooperate with out-patient treatment and particularly medication, having developed a strong distrust of psychiatrists. After discussions with the multidisciplinary team, the psychiatrist agreed to share treatment decisions with the patient and accepted her refusal of medication. This course of action is not always comfortable for professionals, especially when a patient challenges clinical judgement. However, this case illustrates how, by adopting a less paternalistic approach, the therapeutic alliance developed and, most importantly, the patient's health improved. The scenario described raises similar issues to those explored in the play Whose Life Is It Anyway ?