Autonomy Vs. Paternalism In Mental Health Treatment Essay -- essays re

Autonomy Vs. Paternalism In Mental Health TreatmentThe assignment for this moral philosophy yr was to examine Mr. Jacobs treatment,as described by the newfangled York posit Commission on shade of reverence for thementally disabled (1994). The class was further asked to comment on the major renders for each of the three perspectives. The agencies, family and reviewboard were to be included. This student will begin with a stern perspectivethat of Mr. Gordon.In the Matter of Jacob Gordon (1994), is the story of the last eight yearsof a psychiatrically disabled mans life. Mr. Gordon appeared to vacillatebetween striving for autonomy and judge the support of his family.Unfortunately, it appeared by this account that the families support was nonsynonymous with autonomy. It did not appear that Mr. Gordon had ever desired orsought agency interposition for himself. Mr. Gordons association with themental health system appeared to be marked by power and control issues."Consumer s/ex-patients often report a feeling of " invisibleness" they sense thattheir views and desires do not matter (Carling, 1995, p.79 )."The commissions report (1995) spoke of several(prenominal) incidences where Mr. Gordoneluded to his desire for autonomy. Mr. Gordon did not wish to live in a administrate setting. Mr. Gordon did not wish to attend group day treatmentsettings. Mr. Gordon did not wish to use medication in the treatment of hismental health disorder. Without medication his behavior was deemed unacceptableand did not permit him the opportunity to live with any of these choices. " pick isa right-not a privilege to be afforded by good behavior (Penny, 1994, p. 29)."Mr. Gordons right of choice was limited even though he lived in his apartmentindependently. The condition of his apartment was scrutinized. His medicationwas most monitored sometimes to the degree that he was directed to leave hishome to converge medication that was given to him crushed, in an attempt toinsure its ingestion. "Even peoples liberties in a highly controlled board andcare home may be scarcely greater than in a hospital ward (Rubenstien, 1994,p.54)." In Mr. Gordons case even within the sanctity of his own home, hisliberties were scarcely greater than in a hospital ward.Other than his autonomy the second issue for Mr. Gordon appears to be theneed for safety and suppor... ... on Quality of sympathize with for the mentally Disabled. New York StateCommission on Quality of Care for the mentally Disabled.A P amphlet. What is The Commission? New York Commission on Quality ofCare for the Mentally Disabled. Corey, G., Corey, M.S., Callanan, P. (1993).Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. (4th ed.). CaliforniaBrook/ pelf Publishing Co. Penny, D.J. (1994).Choice, common sense, and responsibility the systems obligations torecipients. In C. J Sundram (Ed.), Choice & Responsibility (pp. 29-32). NewYork NYS Commission on Quality of Care for the Mental ly Disabled. Rooney,R. (1992).The ethical foundation for work with involuntary clients. Strategies forWork with Involuntary Clients. (pp. 53-74). New York Columbia UniversityPress. Sundram, C.J. (1994).A framework of thinking about choice and responsibility. In C. J.Sundram (Ed.), Choice & Responsibility (pp. 3-16). New York NYS Commissionon Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled. Surles, R.C. (1994).Free choice, informed choice, and dangerous choices. In C.J. Sundram(Ed.), Choice & Responsibility (pp. 17-24). New York NYS Commission onQuality of Care for the Mentally Disabled.