Young people and consent to treatment

Julie Withecomb Consultant Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist, Bracton Centre, Bracton Lane, Leyton Cross Road, Dartford, Kent DA2 7AP, UK.

Crome & Myton’s (2004) article on pharmacotherapy in dual diagnosis was excellent, especially for its inclusion of issues relating to young people with substance misuse problems.

However, there was an error, in that the authors state that ‘for young people under the age of 16, explicit consent [to treatment] from a parent or guardian is required’ (p. 415). This is not the case.

In his review of guidance from the Department of Health, Harbour cites the recommendation that young people under the age of 16 who have

‘the capacity and understanding to take decisions about their treatment are also entitled to make decisions about the use and disclosure of information they have provided in confidence (e.g. they may be receiving treatment or counselling about which they do not want their parents to know)’ (Department of Health, 2003; cited in Harbour, 2004).

References

Crome, I. B, & Myton, T. (2004) Pharmacotherapy in dual diagnosis. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 10, 413–424.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Department of Health (2003) Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice. London: Stationery Office.

Harbour, H. (2004) Understanding children and young people’s rights to confidentiality. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 9, 187–190.

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