Fluctuating Decision-Making in People with Mental Illness

Robert was an older man who lived independently and worked full time. He was diagnosed simultaneously with metastatic cancer and myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness in the eyes, face, and throat. Due to his cancer, the only treatment available was high-dose steroids. While his strength improved, he was later hospitalized with steroid-induced psychosis. He was discharged to an assisted living community where he fluctuated between days of psychosis – demanding to leave – with periods of lucidity marked by sincere remorse and understanding of his care needs.
Source: Caring for the Ages - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Ethics Source Type: news