Impairments of personal freedom in mental disorders

Abstract

The exercise of personal freedom involves decision-making capacity and behavior-actualization ability, both of which are subject to “inner” restrictions due to mental illness. In addition to changes in experience which may result, i.e., in preference reversal and hence unauthentic behavior, mental illnesses can also change one’s habituality, putting certain habits out of play or trigger acquisition of new habits. Furthermore, the exercise of personal freedom involves negative freedom, since “outer” restrictions can further impair one’s decision-making capacity and behavior-actualization ability (i.e., inadequate information, stereotyping by relevant others, or non-barrier-free facilities). It is important to note that “outer” restrictions can become (the basis of) “inner” restrictions, especially by inducing certain habitualities or worldviews. On the other hand, “inner” restrictions caused by mental illness can be rendered less relevant for authenticity and personal freedom if counterbalanced by adequate support and/or circumstances. Therefore, “outer” restrictions can double the infringement of personal freedom already caused by “inner” restrictions due to mental illness. This calls for the empowerment of mentally ill persons and refers to the core of personal freedom, implying that no person can lose personal freedom completely simply because she is the active agent in her lifeworld.