For a hospitalized patient with depression and suicidal ideation who is refusing food, water, and medication, do you consider forced medication?

A depressed and acutely suicidal patient should be committed and made to take medication and food. That is the whole point of commitment laws. We are not told what other medical issues might be going on, which could affect the decision. For instance, if they are terminally ill, then what I am saying...

Depends upon the age of the patient and psychopathology.

In the current climate, where insurance coverage is limited and LOS is a limiting factor, one has to balance multiple factors, the most important and critical being the patient's well-being.

If the patient already has a guardian who has a rela...

Food for thought

An interesting question that we come across in our practice unfortunately.

It is a very broad scenario that requires medical, psychiatric, and legal answers.

When did the refusal start? A timeline is important.

Does the patient refuse food and water, or just food?

Does the patient a...

I think this question raises a lot of ethical concerns. I think the patient's capacity needs to be addressed first and should guide the decision. If possible, an ethics consult should be considered.