[Between autonomy and coercion: compulsory treatment in psychiatry from an ethical perspective]

Abstract

The actual decision of the German Supreme Court fueled the old debate of the moral and legal status of compulsory treatment in psychiatry in Germany. This article sheds a light on the background of this debate and reflects on possible justifications for involuntary treatment of mentally ill patients. Furthermore it will examine the significance of psychiatric patients' advance directives and joint crisis plans in the context of medical compulsory treatment and will offer recommendations on an ethical responsible way of dealing with compulsory treatment in German psychiatric practice.