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The American Journal of Psychiatry, VOL. 132, No. 8

REGULAR ARTICLES | August 01, 1975

Is dangerousness an issue for physicians in emergency commitment?

Am J Psychiatry 1975;132:825-828.

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Abstract

The laws of many of the states require a physician to determine that a mentally ill individual presents a danger to others before the disturbed person can be civilly committed for involuntary treatment. The author contends that the prediction of dangerousness is not and should not be within the competence of medicine, but that physicians are competent to judge whether or not the severity of mental illness impairs a patient's competence to make an informed decision regarding treatment. The basic issue in emergency commitment is the patient's welfare, not his potential dangerousness. Dr. Alan A. Stone comments on Dr. Peszke's presentation.

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