Autonomy Vs. Paternalism In Mental Health Treatment

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Gordon did not wish to live in a
supervised setting. Mr. Gordon did not wish to attend group day treatment
settings. Mr. Gordon did not wish to use medication in the treatment of his
mental health disorder. Without medication his behavior was deemed unacceptable
and did not permit him the opportunity to have any of these choices. "Choice is
a right-not a privilege to be afforded by good behavior (Penny, 1994, p. 29)."
Mr. Gordon's right of choice was limited even though he lived in his apartment
independently. The condition of his apartment was scrutinized. His medication
was closely monitored; sometimes to the degree that he was directed to leave his
home to receive medication that was given to him crushed, in an attempt to
insure it's ingestion. "Even peoples liberties in a highly controlled board and
care home may be scarcely greater than in a hospital ward (Rubenstien, 1994,
p.54)." In Mr. Gordon's case even within the sanctity of his own home, his
liberties were ...

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his mother personally viewed as normal.
The family were not bound to any code of ethics or compelled to understand
their biases or prejudices in their son's case. Certainly, to say that the
family operated on the premise of paternalism is an understatement. Ethically,
the Gordon's believed that they were the most justified to speak in the best
interests of their son. The energy that the Gordon's put into advocating for
what they believed, was in their son's best interest, is a testimony to the
depth of the feelings they had for their son.
The agencies primary issues appeared to be their liability and
responsibility. Looking at the commission's report and attached responses ...

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