A survey on use of advance directives for mental health treatment in Oregon

Oregon is one of three states that allows persons to prepare a legal document-and advance directive-to stipulate the mental health treatment they wish to receive should they lose their decision-making capacity. An informal one-page questionnaire on the use of advance directives for mental health treatment in the state was enclosed in newsletters sent to families and care providers of persons with severe and persistent mental disorders. Responses were received from 156 people; they reported that 64 advance directives had been completed by consumers, 40 surrogate decision makers had been appointed, and ten consumers had used their advance directives when in crisis. In each case, the consumer's wishes were honored. The small response to this preliminary survey suggests the need for further education about advance directives among mental health care consumers, their families, and providers.