Work

Ulysses looks back: a case report on the experience of using a mental health self-binding directive

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A self-binding directive (SBD) can be included in mental health advance decision documents to request future involuntary treatment. SBDs are supported by service users but controversial and empirical evidence on their application is scarce. Here we present a first case report which describes the experience of a service user with bipolar disorder (hereafter 'bipolar') who has chosen to use an SBD. We compare the findings of the case report with results from a systematic review of reasons for and against SBDs. We discuss that the experience of the service user supports SBDs as a tool to maximise autonomy and challenge criticisms around negative liberty, implementation, capacity assessment, and harms. We conclude that this case report adds to mounting evidence that SBDs are a feasible, ethically justifiable intervention, supported by service users. Policy makers should consider supporting SBD implementation strategies within crisis care.

Source: Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine

DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2025.10147

Authors: Lucy Stephenson, Matthé Scholten, Nuala Kane, Gareth Owen

Institutions: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Ruhr University Bochum, University College Dublin, King's College London

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550