Dignity, patient’s autonomy and mental illness

Abstract

Human dignity, intrinsically linked to autonomy, is vulnerable in situations of severe mental disorder, either to participate in medical research or to participate of therapeutic decisions. The author discusses the concept of dignity, the principle of autonomy and the informed consent, and, by reviewing the literature, suggests that ethical action is the constant exercise to identify when and how it is easier to disregard dignity and avoid doing it. He concludes by stressing that to deny autonomy to others, simply because one is in a position to do so is to respect his dignity. Attention should be
paid to the fact that paternalism and beneficence are not always good solutions for the mentally ill.