The freedom of belief and opinion of people with psychosis: The viewpoint of the capabilities approach

Abstract

People with psychotic delusions have been mostly ignored when the freedom of belief and opinion is discussed. In this article, a view of freedom of belief and opinion based on the capabilities approach is presented, and I discuss what aspects are relevant and how these human rights can be promoted in cases of people with psychotic disorder. It is argued that although psychotic disorder may weaken many capabilities of thought and belief, it may also impart some meaningful abilities to the individual. Unbalanced power structures and nursing cultures that ignore existential considerations as well as stigmatization may weaken the person’s freedom of belief and opinion. However, this freedom can be promoted in psychiatric care through the arrangements needed for practicing religion and discussing politics, issuing appropriate medication, helping in decision-making, individualistic care and service user involvement. Further, promoting participation in civil society and the community at large as well as coworking with religious and ideological communities may promote freedom of belief and opinion more widely in society. The challenges involved with the relationships between juridical and ethical rights in the capabilities approach are discussed at the end of the article.