Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3234101 | Annals of Emergency Medicine | 2006 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Pediatric, nursing home, and institutionalized psychiatric patients frequently receive medications covertly or against their will. Surreptitious medicating of emergency department (ED) psychiatric patients may occur but has not been reported. We discuss competing ethical, therapeutic, and legal issues in potential conflict during the treatment of an acutely psychotic patient who had homicidal and suicidal ideation and presented to a busy, urban ED. The practice of covertly medicating may not be uncommon in EDs, but fear of professional censure probably inhibits open discussion and documentation of such events. No specific statutory, ethical, or case law in the United States seems to control this type of situation.
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Authors
Matthew R. Lewin, Lance Montauk, Marc Shalit, Flavia Nobay,