Who should decide whether treatment is beneficial? What role should self-determination play in decisions to discontinue treatment?
The person with serious mental illness should have absolute and complete control over treatment options. This does not mean service providers are out of the picture. Providers may assist in decision making by providing information about mental illness and possible treatments. They might also help the person to make sense of the costs and benefits of a specific treatment decision. But, ultimately, the decision lies with the person. Choosing to discontinue treatment is as valid and legitimate as choosing to participate.
