Mr. Benwabe is an attorney who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been hospitalized several times when he stopped taking his medication. He complains that the medications make him feel like a "zombie" and affect his ability to complete legal briefs. When he is medication free, however, he is paranoid and often violent. During these periods, police and paramedic intervention is needed to get him safely to the hospital. Given this history, what is most likely to occur in the future?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If Mr. Benwabe is a danger to himself or others, he may be involuntarily committed and medicated against his will under certain circumstances. This is known as the "dangerousness standard" and is often used in cases where an individual's mental illness prevents them from making rational decisions about their own treatment. While his directive may be respected in certain situations, the risk of harm to himself or others may outweigh his right to refuse medication.

Mr Benwabe Is an Attorney Who Has Been Diagnosed with Bipolar