Psychiatric advance directive
Legal document allowing individuals to specify preferences for psychiatric treatment during periods when they may lack decision-making capacity due to mental illness.
Full Definition
A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that allows individuals with mental illness to specify their treatment preferences, medication choices, and care instructions for future psychiatric episodes when they may lack decision-making capacity. Unlike general advance directives focused on end-of-life care, PADs address psychiatric treatment scenarios including preferred medications, hospital preferences, emergency contacts, and treatment refusals. These directives become active during psychiatric crises when patients cannot make informed decisions due to severe symptoms. PADs help ensure patient autonomy, reduce coercive treatment experiences, and provide guidance to treatment teams during emergency situations. Legal recognition and implementation procedures vary by state jurisdiction.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate as 'PAD' only after first use; some jurisdictions use 'mental health advance directive' as preferred terminology.
In Context
- "The patient's psychiatric advance directive specified preference for risperidone over haloperidol during psychotic episodes." — Emergency treatment plan
- "Review of the psychiatric advance directive revealed the patient's request to contact their sister during mental health crises." — Admission assessment