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Mentally disordered or lacking capacity? Lessons for management of serious deliberate self harm

BMJ 2010; 341 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.c4489 (Published 07 September 2010) Cite this as: BMJ 2010;341:c4489

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Professional responsibility for competent patients

Surely the issue about this case is not so much about the
legislation, but the professional use of powers of persuasion with
competent patients. Just because a patient is competent and not detainable
under the Mental Health Act does not absolve professionals of the
responsibility to try to change an "imprudent" decision that may have
contributed to her death.

Competing interests: No competing interests

07 September 2010
DB Double
Consultant Psychiatrist
Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Victoria House, Lowestoft, NR32 1PL

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