A comparison of patients who refuse and consent to neuroleptic treatment

Abstract

A recently enacted regulation in California [USA] requires that voluntary mental patients give signed informed consent for treatment with antipsychotic drugs. To evaluate the law''s effects on schizophrenic patients, 15 patients who refused to give consent were compared with a matched group of 15 who gave consent. Refusers had significantly higher scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for conceptual disorganization, emotional withdrawal and unusual thought content. They were also more hostile, uncooperative and mistrustful of the treatment team and more likely to believe they were not ill. Questions regarding the most appropriate consent process for schizophrenic patients were raised.