psychiatric advance directive
Also written as: PAD — Psychiatric Advance Directive
A legal document that allows individuals to specify their treatment preferences for future psychiatric care during periods when they may lack decision-making capacity.
Full Definition
A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal instrument that enables individuals with mental illness to document their treatment preferences, medication choices, and care instructions for use during future psychiatric crises when they may be unable to make decisions. The directive may include preferred medications, treatments to avoid, designated decision-makers, coping strategies, and environmental preferences. PADs are particularly valuable for individuals with recurrent episodes of serious mental illness who experience periods of impaired insight or judgment. Legal requirements and recognition of psychiatric advance directives vary by jurisdiction.
Usage
Usage note: Verify local legal requirements and recognition status when implementing PADs.
In Context
- "The patient's psychiatric advance directive specified preferences for atypical antipsychotics over typical agents." — Treatment planning documentation
- "Staff education emphasized the importance of reviewing psychiatric advance directives during admission." — Policy and procedure manual