Psychiatric Advance Directive
A legal document allowing individuals to specify preferences for psychiatric treatment during future periods of incapacity.
Full Definition
A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal instrument that enables individuals with mental illness to document their treatment preferences, including medications, hospitalization, and specific interventions they would accept or refuse during future psychiatric crises when they may lack decision-making capacity. These documents can also designate proxy decision-makers and provide instructions about contacting family members or employers. PADs help preserve patient autonomy and can reduce coercive treatments by clearly documenting informed preferences made during periods of wellness.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as PAD in clinical documentation; ensure distinction from general advance directives.
In Context
- "The patient's psychiatric advance directive specified acceptance of certain medications but refusal of ECT." — Emergency department note
- "Social work assisted the patient in completing a psychiatric advance directive during the stabilization period." — Discharge planning note