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Copyright of Canadian Journal of Psychiatry is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Patients have a right to be informed and actively involved in their health care. Fundamental to a person's dignity and autonomy is the right to make decisions about their psychiatric treatment, including their right to refuse unwanted treatments, providing that the refusal is a capable one. It is important that psychiatrists have an awareness of the ethical underpinnings of consent and the legislated requirements related to consent, including precedent cases. Consent may change over time and for different conditions and circumstances. Consent must be an ongoing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]