Emily Bowen

Abstract

This article reviews the clinical and legal issues involved in dealing with patients who refuse medical treatment following an overdose. We first describe a real case that has been made anonymous, before discussing a general approach to management.

We then review the relevant legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act (2005), the Mental Health Act (1983) and legal issues surrounding the treatment of young people. We discuss how this legislation may be applied in practice and then conclude with the outcome of the case, sources of further information and some key learning points.