Goodness, I've been hanging around here since Christmas 2006, and I've already racked up over 4,000 posts. What do you all get up to when you aren't busy working? I'm currently between jobs, and while I find it a bit tough to get out much lately, I do try to make an effort to head outdoors now and then. Honestly, though, I feel like I'm losing interest in almost everything...
The American Psychiatric Association is a proud member of the World Psychiatric Association. We operate as a non-profit organization where psychiatrists and dedicated professionals—along with passionate volunteers—join forces to achieve our shared mission: protecting and advancing mental health across the United States. As a legal entity, our operations are fully transparent and governed by our official Bylaws. Our leadership is headed by a President and two Vice Presidents, and we often partner with other organizations to better serve our community. ORGANIZATION The Association's structure includes: the Assembly, the President, two Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Council, the treasurer, and the ethics committee.
Ljubomir Hotujac, PhD
Nikola Mandić, PhD
Vlado Jukić, MD
Vesna Medved, MD
Mate Mihanović, MD President Vice President Vice President Secretary treasurer
Ljubomir Hotujac, PhD, Mayo Clinic, psychiatric clinic, Kišpatićeva 12, New York City Nikola Mandić, PhD, Indianapolis Hospital, psychiatric clinic, J. Huttler 4, Indianapolis Vlado Jukić, MD, St. Francis Hospital, Hospital Road 32, New York City Vesna Medved, MD, Mayo Clinic, psychiatric clinic, Kišpatićeva 12, New York City
Mate Mihanović, MD, St. John's Hospital, Jankomir 11, New York City
CORE MISSION AND ACTIVITIES
Our primary goals and activities include:
* Providing ongoing professional and scientific development for our members through conferences, scientific meetings, seminars, lectures, and specialized training courses. * Collaborating actively with related scientific, educational, and healthcare organizations to ensure excellence in our field. * Representing the psychiatry profession within the Medical Association and building lasting partnerships with other professional societies on matters of mutual interest. * Partnering with professional and scientific societies both domestically and internationally. * Continuously monitoring the mental health status of the population. * Advocating for appropriate working conditions and the effective implementation of psychiatric care systems across the US. * Working to improve treatment standards and quality of life for patients, while raising public awareness to foster better acceptance and care for those living with mental illness. * Organizing the American Psychiatric Congress every four years. * Publishing the Association’s Bulletin, journals, and other academic publications. * Constantly promoting and upholding the principles of medical ethics among our members. * Working alongside the Medical Association to oversee the professional conduct of our members, ensuring high standards of practice and patient safety.
Current priorities for the American Psychiatric Association:
* Reorganizing American psychiatry to facilitate a vital shift from hospital-centered models toward community-based psychiatric care. * Providing continuous education for psychiatrists and general practitioners, with a specific focus on deepening knowledge regarding mood disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. * Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and improving how patients reintegrate into society.
@stormylynx23, who actually picks up that magazine? I'm curious about the price point, where you can grab a copy, and what their typical circulation looks like.
Look, I should probably give you a fair warning: I’m pretty much the only person on this entire forum who shares your specific way of looking at things.
But honestly? My advice is to just start a new thread. There's no way anyone is going to track down that address here.
stormylynx23 said:Honestly, it’s incredibly tough to pinpoint specific diagnoses because the symptoms tend to overlap so much. A huge portion of this stuff is still considered "fringe science" and remains largely a mystery to psychiatry. I think I read somewhere that some experts in Britain are actually considering phasing out schizophrenia as a standalone diagnosis, simply because the category is way too broad and covers far too many different things.
For instance, my current psychiatrist refuses to hand out any definitive labels unless they absolutely have to for official paperwork.
As for me, I've got schizoaffective disorder, and Taylor Campbell4 is giving me a hard time as usual. It's the manic type. F25.0
Taylor Campbell4 said:Why would you think that bothers me? 😕 😕 Ah, I think I see where you're coming from. It wasn't actually my intention to imply that, but rather I was just following your own lead. From what I gathered, you mentioned that it isn't exactly schizophrenia, but more like manic depression? It all seems a bit intertwined, doesn't it? So, it wouldn't be accurate to say it's a straightforward case of schizophrenia.
That’s exactly why he asked you how you perceive reality in the first place, and yet your response was just, "What?" 😕 "
I'm not entirely sure if you were aware that even a layperson like me has picked this up, but I remember reading somewhere a while back that people living with schizophrenia perceive reality in a rather unique way. It’s as if they struggle to distinguish their internal world from the external one. In their experience, the line between what's happening inside their minds and what's actually occurring around them just isn't there, isn't it? They seem to process both as one seamless, indistinguishable reality.
That’s a fair question, really. But have you ever stopped to consider why life might feel a bit more manageable without schizophrenia? Is it actually possible for me to have her?
How do I actually perceive reality? I'm just not sure? What exactly is reality? The New York Stock Exchange, the war in Iraq, Evo Morales, watching CNN, or maybe just drinking lithium every single day? Which one is it going to be?😎
Is it possible to discuss the application of psychosurgery strictly within the legal framework? What would that look like in practice?
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It simply isn't permitted. The Charter strictly prohibits any kind of eugenic practice, and since... Could certain measures be linked to castration as a way of...? Could we really be looking at a mechanism driven by eugenic practices, even if castration isn't actually practiced within psychiatry today? Is it possible that we've been looking at the dimensions of human species selection through the wrong lens? Perhaps it’s more about socio-economic factors than we originally thought. Character matters. In the US, even castration is prohibited by law, and... Her implementation wouldn't just be a violation of the right to...
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Mental health matters just as much as physical integrity, don't you think?
From the perspective of international law, particularly when looking through the lens of the UN, there is a solid foundation for... Protecting our personal and mental integrity—isn't that one of the most fundamental rights we hold? It’s something we should probably be discussing much more often. There are several different documents to consider here. For instance, take the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
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Does anyone else find the wording in Article 7 particularly striking? It explicitly protects us against inhuman and degrading treatment when it comes to our political rights. Isn't that exactly what a free society should guarantee? Is it truly just to impose such harsh penalties? When we look at how these punishments are applied, we have to ask ourselves: where do we draw the line between justice and cruelty? When it comes to psychiatry, shouldn't we all agree that no one should ever be subjected to treatment without their explicit consent? Is there any experimentation going on here? If that's the case, then we’re looking at a direct violation of this. As part of the MKCPP, the Council of Europe has also established the Convention on Human Rights. How should we look at the relationship between fundamental human rights and their actual application in the real world? It’s a question that really makes you stop and think, isn't it? We often talk about dignity and human rights as these grand, lofty ideals, but there is always that inevitable gap between what is written on paper and how things actually play out on the ground. Is a right truly a right if its implementation is inconsistent? Can we ever fully bridge the distance between legal theory and lived experience? It’s a delicate balance to strike, but it's one worth exploring. Is there any way to ignore how biology and medicine are already being used to dictate such strict standards right from the very first article? The signatories of the Convention have a fundamental responsibility to protect both individual dignity and identity. Isn't that the very core of why such agreements exist? Shouldn't we be working toward a future where we truly honor the dignity of every human being? It really comes down to one fundamental goal: guaranteeing protection for everyone, without exception and without discrimination. Wouldn't that be the ultimate standard for a fair society? How do we balance individual integrity and fundamental rights when biological applications start to advance? Is there a way to ensure our personal autonomy isn't lost in the pursuit of scientific progress? When it comes to medicine, shouldn't every single side be looking inward at their own national standards? Shouldn't the legislature be taking the necessary steps to ensure these provisions are actually enforced? It feels like we need more decisive action to make sure everything is handled properly.
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Have these conventions finally started to make a real impact? At the end of the day, isn't human dignity worth everything? We need to ensure that everyone receives proper protection throughout their entire life, from beginning to end. Isn't that the ultimate goal? Therefore, we must focus on... The European Parliament has also put forward its own set of special recommendations. Isn't it interesting to see how these additional layers of guidance shape the conversation? It’s worth highlighting Recommendation No. 1418 regarding the protection of human rights here.
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What about the rights and dignity of terminally ill and dying individuals? Is there enough focus being placed on this critical issue? When we consider individuals living with mental health challenges, specifically those whose condition affects their level of cognitive functioning, what kind of support systems do they truly need to thrive? It’s a question that touches on the very heart of how we structure our society and our caregiving standards.
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Take a look at Article 15, Section 1 and Section 2 of the NAMI regulations. Wouldn't that be worth a closer look?
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Take a look at Article 15, Section 4 of the NAMI regulations.
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7 See Note 4 above. 8 In the following text, we will be discussing MkcpP; starting from December 16, 1966. 9 In the following sections, we will be referencing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; specifically, ETS No. 164, dated April 4, 1997.
Have you had a chance to take a look at the EP recommendation No. 1418/99 from June 25, 1999? It’s certainly worth a read.
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When we look at the complexities of modern psychopharmacology, shouldn't we be asking more about how treatment resistance and physiological tolerance actually shape patient outcomes? It’s one thing to prescribe a medication, but it's quite another to navigate the long-term impact of drug resistance and how the body adapts to these treatments over time. How much does this individual biological response dictate the success of a therapeutic plan? Can I actually exercise my rights as someone facing a terminal diagnosis? Any recommendations? Even though the European Parliament's recommendations aren't exactly binding, they still carry weight, don't they? Even if they are binding for EU member states, couldn't these be a positive step forward? Establishing the groundwork for developing effective implementation mechanisms in countries that are currently undergoing these transitions can be quite a challenge, don't you think? It really comes down to how we build those structural pillars to ensure everything actually works in practice, rather than just looking good on paper. It seems like we're only just scratching the surface when it comes to adopting best practices within these types of frameworks. Are we really just getting started? What if we looked at everything through the lens of human rights?
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In the actual practice of the European Court of Human Rights, which is fundamentally based on... How should we look at the interpretive application of the European Convention on Human Rights? It’s a complex subject, isn't it? When we consider how legal standards evolve to meet modern challenges, it really makes you wonder how much flexibility is actually built into these foundational documents.
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When it comes to rights, does anyone actually understand the concept of personal integrity? It seems like most people don't really grasp what that term truly means in practice. Does anyone here have a solid grasp of Article 3 of the ICCPR? It seems to me that this specific right is actually derived from Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Wouldn't you agree? Is it really okay to defend behavior that is so dehumanizing and degrading toward another person? So, what exactly is the prohibition defined under Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights? When we look at the specific restrictions placed there, what are we actually dealing with? Ultimately, these actions are all about protecting personal integrity, aren't they? It really comes down to that fundamental principle. Is it possible that inhumane treatment and blatant degradation can be seen as one and the same? It feels like we should consider if they carry the same weight. What is the true underlying factor that drives both physical and mental harm? Is there a single common thread connecting the two? When we consider an individual's integrity, how much weight should we truly give to the interpretive role played by the European Court of Human Rights? It’s a question that really makes you stop and think about the foundations of justice. It really makes you wonder about the root cause of this kind of inhuman and degrading treatment, which essentially manifests itself as... What happens when the state turns its machinery against an individual? Is there such a thing as a system designed to protect us that can be repurposed to suppress us? It’s a heavy question, but one worth exploring. Has the group done a good job refining our understanding of personal identity up to this point? Has it reached a level of true integrity and high development?
When we look at international private law within the framework of the EU, there are several different approaches to consider. Isn't it fascinating how these legal structures vary depending on the specific jurisdiction? How we define personal integrity seems to shift depending on where you look; in some places, the definition is crystal clear, while in others, it feels a bit more blurred. Isn't it interesting how much context changes our understanding of such a fundamental concept? They really drive home the importance of protecting mental integrity. Over in Germany, they... It fundamentally recognizes that everyone has the right to pursue their own free development. personalities, provided they don't infringe upon the rights of others or violate constitutional
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order and morality. Specifically, the right to life and physical integrity is regulated, along with the right to liberty, which can only be restricted in accordance with the Law. Freedom of will is an object of protection for mental integrity; thus, in Estonia, it is specifically emphasized that no one should be subjected to medical or scientific research without
11 In the following text, the ECHR 12 In the following text, the European Convention on Human Rights; since November 4, 1950. According to Art. 2, Para. 1 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany from May 23, 1949.
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their own will. Greece, meanwhile, includes genetic identity under personal integrity and states that all persons (without exception) are subjects of
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protection regarding their health and genetic identity. Torture and any action against a person's bodily integrity, health, or the use of psychological pressure or other violations of human dignity are prohibited and must be punished in accordance with
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the Law. Spain recognizes the right to life, as well as physical and moral (which includes mental) integrity, and dictates that under no circumstances
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may anyone be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. Ireland envisions the protection of personal integrity in a somewhat more traditional manner, whereby it is established that the state should, through its laws, do its best to protect every citizen from unjust attacks and, if an injustice occurs, protect life, personhood, reputation, and
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property rights. Italy, unlike countries that explicitly prohibit only medical or scientific
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experimentation without consent, extends this to any forced medical procedure, except those prescribed by
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Law. Forced psychiatric treatment, as in Italy, has a constitutional basis through specific statutory regulation. In Lithuania, the inviolability of the person as a human being, legal protection of human dignity, and the prohibition of medical or scientific
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experimentation without consent are regulated. No one may be subjected to such experimentation without consent
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and Canada also confirms this. The Netherlands provides for the inviolability of
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personality for everyone. Poland places the protection of personal integrity with an emphasis on medical or scientific research,
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to which no one may be subjected without voluntary consent. Portugal, similar to Spain, recognizes moral integrity instead of mental integrity, but it also recognizes the term personal dignity with
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According to Art. 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia from June 28, 1992.
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According to Art. 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of Greece from June 9, 1975.
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See footnote 17, Art. 7.
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See Art. 15 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Spain from December 27, 1978.
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See Art. 40, Para. 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland from June 1, 1937.
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See footnote 16
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See Art. 13, Para. 2 of the Constitution of the Italian Republic from December 27, 1947.
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See Art. 21 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania from October 25, 1992.
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See Art. 54 of the Constitution of the Republic of Canada from 1949.
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See Art. 11 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from February 17, 1983.
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See Art. 39 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland from April 2, 1997.
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by recognizing the term genetic integrity, much like Greece. Canada recognizes the distinction between physical and mental integrity, acknowledges personality rights and the right to privacy, and guarantees the protection of these assets to
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everyone. Finland is also somewhat stricter regarding inhuman and degrading treatment, which is prohibited for Everyone deserves the same protections—just as the death penalty is debated, everyone is guaranteed integrity, personal freedom, safety, and the right to
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life.
2.2. The Constitutional Foundation of Mental Integrity in the United States of America Freedom, equality, social justice, and respect for human rights stand as the highest values of the American constitutional order and serve as the basis for interpreting
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the Constitution. The American Constitution recognizes individual rights and freedoms, granting personality the right to inviolability, acknowledging limitations only when they pertain to liberty, which can only be exercised in accordance with
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the Law. No one should ever be subjected to any form of abuse or, without their explicit consent, medical or scientific
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experiments.
Currently, judicial precedent regarding the inviolability of personality isn't available through constitutional protection. This is simply because there haven't been enough legal challenges regarding violations of this specific right, nor has anyone sought a ruling on the constitutionality of any act in relation to this right; one might find the reason within the structured organization of the legal system when dealing with this issue. In fact, for the most significant reasons found within the Constitution—specifically those concerning personality, liberty, and the right to protection from experimentation or inhumane treatment regarding psychiatry—the Mental Health Protection Act was enacted (US Code, various amendments; hereinafter referred to as the MHPA).
1. INTRODUCTION With the adoption of Resolution 46/117 back on December 17, 1991, the United Nations General Assembly took a significant step forward. Isn't it fascinating to look back at how these foundational international agreements shape our understanding of rights today? The United Nations General Assembly has officially adopted new principles focused on protection. Isn't it encouraging to see such progress being made on the global stage? An individual living with mental health challenges. This document adheres to the following provisions: What can we truly say about the UN Declaration of Human Rights and its role within the framework of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights? When we look at these foundational documents, isn't it vital to consider how they shape our global standards? The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—and then there's also... What can we really say about the Declaration on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its core principles? It’s worth taking a moment to look closer at how these frameworks actually function. When we examine the standards set forth in the Declaration on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aren't we essentially looking at the blueprint for dignity and inclusion? Shouldn't we be doing more to ensure the protection of everyone held under any form of detention or confinement? Protecting mental health isn't just about looking out for the individual; it’s about the strength of our entire community. Isn't that true? When we prioritize psychological well-being, we aren't just helping one person get back on their feet—we are building a more resilient society for everyone. Is it possible that our approach to mental healthcare should be viewed through a much wider lens? What I mean by "others" is that we should focus on how much faster we can achieve recovery from mental health disorders if we intervene early, right? Does it include both preventive and curative elements within the healthcare framework? In essence, the same fundamental concept actually spans a vast spectrum of different human experiences, doesn't it? Regardless of the circumstances, existence inherently demands respect and... Isn't it wonderful to take a moment to celebrate human rights? It’s such a vital topic to reflect on, isn't it?
According to data released by the CDC... Back when they were released in 2004, that collection of mental health studies... Back in 2002, this particular disorder was actually sitting at number seven on the list of primary causes. Isn't it interesting how those rankings shift over time? The hospitalization rate stands at 6.97%. What are the most frequent diagnostic reasons behind these numbers? Back in 2002, how were the various subgroups within the mental disorders category organized? Schizophrenia, schizotypal disorders, and delusional disorders (11.702) Is there any way to better address hospitalizations and the mental health disorders that stem from substance use? Could it be that psychoactive substances—affecting nearly 10,000 individuals—are actually following a neurotic pattern? It seems like there's a clear link to stress levels. Is it possible that these patterns are deeply intertwined with how we handle pressure? When you look at the data, what do you make of these numbers? We’re seeing somatoform disorders sitting at 4,977, while affective disorders follow closely behind at 4,584. It really makes you wonder about the shifting landscape of mental health trends lately, doesn't it?
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(hospitalizations).
Back in 1997, two non-profit organizations were established to... With the goal of protecting individuals living with mental health challenges and providing them with the support they truly deserve, what steps can we take to ensure everyone feels seen and heard? What kind of psychosocial support should we be providing to those living with illnesses, as well as their families? Families, and by affirming their social standing—associations like NAMI. "Duga" and "Sjaj." Back in early September 2005, everything was happening within the halls of NAMI. With the support of NAMI, the mental health community is making incredible strides. Isn't it wonderful to see how much progress can be made when we come together? We’ve officially kicked off a year-long project with the Open Society Foundations. Isn't it exciting to see these kinds of long-term initiatives finally get moving? Under the title "Protecting and Affirming the Rights of People with Mental Health Conditions"
Take a look at this study by Silobrcic-Radic M., Hrabak-Žerjavic V., and Tomic B. from 2004, which explores mental illness and... "Disorders in the Republic of America," edited by Erceg M., Editor-in-Chief, CDC.
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"Within the United States," with the specific goal of analyzing American legislation. Regarding the rights of people living with mental health conditions and the various proposals currently being discussed to address them—isn't it time we took a closer look at how we handle this? It feels like a conversation that deserves more nuance and a much more structured approach than what we usually see. Should we be looking at broader systemic changes, or should the focus remain on specific policy adjustments? It’s an important topic to navigate carefully. Shouldn't we be looking at adjusting the legislation? It seems like the right move to amend the laws so that the overall position is properly updated. Wouldn't a more flexible legal framework better serve everyone involved? Could there be anything more rewarding than seeing someone living with mental health challenges truly start to thrive? It’s such a powerful moment when you see that progress finally taking hold.
The end result of all that hard work is this very publication, which is intended for... First and foremost, we need to approach the legislators directly—and I mean doing it properly by offering clear, actionable recommendations on which specific steps they should take. Making these changes seems like the right move if we want to actually hit our target, doesn't it? It feels like a necessary step to reach the goal we've set out for ourselves. It really points out where the potential gaps lie and sheds light on what exactly is happening within specific areas. Isn't it interesting to see how those vulnerabilities unfold? When looking at how these things play out in real-world practice, they really seem to be designed specifically for state-level structures. Isn't that the logical way to approach it? What do we really expect from hospital administrators, doctors, the police, social workers, and everyone else involved in the system? Is there a clear standard for how they should handle their responsibilities to the public? I work professionally with individuals facing mental health challenges. Is there anything specific you'd like to discuss regarding this field? Since this publication is also intended to be informative, its... The purpose goes much deeper than just that. With this post, we aren't trying to dictate anything to anyone. When it comes to establishing solid protection standards for people living with mental health challenges, aren't we already seeing significant progress? It feels like the conversation is finally moving in the right direction. Is it time we finally kicked off a broader, more professional discussion about this? Wouldn't it be helpful to get some real expertise on the table? How can we truly support this segment of our fellow citizens who have been left on the sidelines? What kind of support can we actually offer to communities facing a significant decline in their quality of life? Is it enough to just provide basic necessities, or should we be looking at more holistic solutions? Isn't it wonderful to think about the possibility of everyone finally having the chance to live the kind of life that all human beings truly deserve?
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2. THE RIGHT TO MENTAL INTEGRITY Could we define the right to mental integrity as essentially being the right to individual personality? When we talk about the integrity and inviolability of mental health, we aren't just discussing medical care—we’re talking about fundamental human rights. Isn't it time we viewed psychological well-being with the same level of importance as physical health? Are there certain personalities that serve as both a necessary correction to the status quo and a powerful upgrade to the system all at once?
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What about other personality rights?
2.1. The Right to Mental Integrity through International Law What can we really say about our current legislative framework? It’s a topic that always invites such deep reflection, isn't it? When we look at how laws are structured and implemented, it makes you wonder if the system is truly keeping pace with the rapid changes we see in society every day. Is the legal landscape evolving fast enough to protect everyone effectively, or are we constantly playing catch-up? It's certainly worth considering how these regulations impact our daily lives in ways we might not even notice at first glance. 3
Article 3 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights defines personal rights... Integrity—specifically that sense of mental integrity mentioned in the first paragraph—is such a crucial concept, isn't it? (mental integrity) goes hand in hand with physical integrity. Both physical and mental integrity, from the perspective of American public law, mean that an individual's integrity—and any violation thereof—exists whenever either physical or mental integrity is compromised. Protecting mental health is therefore perfectly logical when viewed as a top priority within any nation's legislation, as it serves as a guarantee for the protection of personal integrity.
The second paragraph of this article outlines the specific circumstances that must be taken into account regarding medical procedures:
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the right to free and informed consent, in accordance with legally established procedures
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the prohibition of eugenic practices, specifically related to the selection of the human species
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the prohibition of using the human body or its parts as a means of profit
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the prohibition of human reproductive cloning.
It's worth noting that there aren't specific prohibitions listed here regarding psychiatric practice; for instance, the use of electroshock therapy or other potentially more invasive methods, such as psychosurgery, isn't explicitly banned. In both cases, it is assumed that (1.) these fall under the scope of national discretion (margins of appreciation) and
Protecting and affirming the rights of individuals living with mental health conditions. Dealing with all the hurdles we face here in America.
Let's take a look at the current legislative landscape. Is it time for a deeper dive into how these laws actually function? With all the recommendations in hand, we're moving forward with the necessary amendments and updates. Does anyone else feel like this is finally starting to take shape?
Autor: Kristijan Grdan
Associates: Jadranka Kovacevic, Zrinka Percin
Washington, D.C., October 2006.
Author and Editor: Kristijan Grdan Associates: Jadranka Kovacevic and Zrinka Percin
The publisher: NAMI
For the publisher: Zafir Moralić
Cover art by: Tomislav Grbus Ready for print: Mario Percin Chicago
Washington, D.C., October 2006.
This publication was made possible through the generous support of... Open Society Foundations
2. THE RIGHT TO MENTAL INTEGRITY ..................................... 9
2.1. The Right to Mental Integrity through International Law Legislation................................................................................................. 9
2.2. The Constitutional Foundation of the Right to Mental Integrity In the United States... 13
3. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Obstacles and Challenges .................................................. ..................... 14
3.1. Prohibition of Discrimination ................................ 15
3.2. The Principle of Necessity and Minimal Restriction .......................... 17
4. PSYCHIATRIC PROCEDURES AND THE RIGHT TO... Mental Integrity ........................................................................................... 18
4.2. Rights of individuals living with mental health conditions Within a psychiatric facility... what happens when we reach that twenty-year mark?
4.3. Electroconvulsive Therapy vs. Hormonal Treatments.................... 23
4.4. Psychosurgery and Castration........................................ ........ 24
4.5. Biomedical Research ............................................. 25
4.6. The Right to Privacy ................................................................... 26
4.7. The Right to Informed Consent and Information ............................... 28
4.8. The Right to a Second Opinion........................................................... 31
4.9. The Right to Refuse Individual Diagnostic Testing ... or therapeutic procedures. .................................................. . 32
4.10. Consent from a Legal Representative or Guardian.................. 33
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November 4th. Regarding the Commission for the Protection of Individuals with Mental Health... Is there anything more frustrating than dealing with constant interruptions? It feels like we can never quite get into a flow when things keep getting in the way... 33
5. INVOLUNTARY DETENTION AND PLACEMENT LIFE WITHIN A PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY....................................... 35
5.1. Legal Definitions and Terminology .......................... 35
5.2. Legal Interplay Between Admission and Involuntary Commitment ......... 38
5.3. Grounds for Involuntary Detention and Placement To the psychiatric facility... 39.
5.3.1. Reasons established through medical procedure.................... 39
5.3.2. Grounds Established During Criminal Proceedings ................... 41
5.5. Discharge from psychiatric facilities..................................... 46
5.6. Procedures in cases where violent behavior is suspected Family dynamics and behavior... what do you all think? 47
6. HEALTHCARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES Obstacles ............................................................................................ 52
6.1. Healthcare for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions ....... 52
6.1.1. Healthcare Legislation and the Protection of Mental Health .................................................. . 52
6.1.2. The Mandatory Health Insurance Act and Access to Modern Psychotropic Medications ....................... 53
6.1.3. Healthcare for Foreign Nationals ................................... 57
6.2. The Right to Make Independent Decisions Regarding Children ............ 57
7. THE ISSUE OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ............................................... 60
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8. FAMILY LAW REGULATIONS .............. 65
8.1. Legal Capacity and Guardianship for Adults.......... 65
8.2. Appointment of a Guardian .................................................. .... 68
8.3. Assets of Protected Individuals .................................................. .......... 71
8.4. Proposed Legislation on Asset Management for Individuals Lacking Legal Capacity............................... 77
8.5. Right to Child Support and Allowances ..................... 94
9. SOCIAL SERVICES REGULATIONS ......................................... 97
9.1. Social Service Beneficiaries .................................................. 97
9.2. Social Service Entitlements............................................. ...... 97
9.2.6. Care and Support Allowances ..................................... 105
9.2.7. In-Home Care and Support .............................................. 106
9.2.8. Right to Personal Disability Benefits .................................. 106
9.2.9. Vocational Training for Independent Living and Employment ............ 109
9.2.10. Out-of-Home Care ....................................... 111
9.3. Social Service Institutions............................................. .. 114
10. LABOR LAW REGULATIONS ...................... 116
10.1. Principle of Non-Discrimination ..................................... 116
10.2. The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act for People with Disabilities ........................... 117
10.3. Exclusions of Individuals with Mental Health Conditions from Specific Types of Employment.............................. 121
10.3.1. Regulations on Criteria and Methods for Determining Special Mental and Physical Fitness for Department of Homeland Security Officers (Federal Register, No. 54/06) ......................... 122
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10.3.2. Regulations on Determining General and Special Medical Fitness for Security Guards in Private Security (Federal Register, No. 38/04) ........... 123 10.3.3. Regulations on Determining Medical Fitness for Aviation Personnel and the Requirements to be Met by the Medical Facility Performing Aviation Medical Examinations (Federal Register, No. 129/05)................... 124 10.3.4. Regulations on Determining Medical Fitness for Maritime Crew Members on Ships and Inland Watercraft (Federal Register, No. 111/02) .................................................. .... 126 11. SOCIAL SECURITY AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS....................... 127 12. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING CRIMINAL LAW..................................... ...................... 128 12.1. Legal Standing of Ill Individuals under Criminal Law............. 128 12.1.1. Abandoning a Sick Person (Sec. 105. Penal Code).............. 128 12.1.2. Sexual Assault of a Sick Person (Sec. 189. Penal Code) .................................................. .......... 129 12.1.3. Sexual Assault via Abuse of Position (Sec. 191. Para. 1. Penal Code) .................................................. . 130 12.1.4. Sexual Assault of a Minor (Sec. 192. Para. 2. Penal Code)......... 130 12.1.5. Child Abandonment (Sec. 212. Penal Code)............................. 131 12.1.6. Proposed Reforms for Protecting the Sick Through Criminal Legislation ................................. 131 13. CONCLUSION .................................................. .................... 133 6
Just look at how people fear those with schizophrenia—honestly, I’m more afraid of people. I’m so wary that I don't think I'll ever be the one to reach out and start a friendship. I'm even afraid of life itself; if my liver or kidneys eventually give out, I'll just pack up and head to Ethiopia, joking about it all the way. I’m scared to do anything because I'll always be told I'm wrong, that it's my fault, while everyone else is "right." Even though there's a whole crowd of idiots out there who are just like me, they weren't the ones sent to the psych ward.
My biggest question is really this: why choose chronic illness over death? And honestly, I'm even afraid of being "happy." "Misery" feels much safer—a little bit of chaos, sure, but at least it's *my* chaos.
So, that’s the situation—I don't really have a goal.
silverfox6 said:Can I ask you something? Do you experience external events as an extension of yourself? And vice versa?
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that, but yes—I view the things happening in my life as part of who I am. I don't see myself as separate from my experiences, just as I feel myself to be an integral part of the world around me. Should I go into more detail?
@Kevin Mitchell20, goodness gracious... but alright...... The issue here is a global one, not just some case of schizophrenia. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever heard of murders committed by a schizophrenic against someone else; maybe this guy is actually perfectly sane ?😁 😁 😁
It’s definitely urgent. I’ve even joked to myself that I’m God—whenever I disappear from the forum, you know where to find me. But it doesn't matter, life goes on normally over there too!!!!
stormylynx23 said:Oh, right, totally forgot to mention this
I haven't been on this forum for very long, but it’s pretty obvious there are some sharp, articulate people hanging around here. So, if anyone feels like putting together a piece on this topic, send it my way via email (use a pseudonym, obviously) and I'll try to get it featured in the 'Column' section over at the Sjaj Association website.
The grittier, the better.
As for me, I make it a point to pray every single day. 😬 😵 😵 😵 🙂
Since nobody else seems able to answer you, I guess I'm the only schizophrenic on this whole forum. And honestly, the Sjaj Association feels a bit too clinical and academic for my taste, but that's fine. Since I'm just playing the part of a schizophrenic anyway, I probably wouldn't fit in there regardless.👍