least restrictive alternative

the U.S. legal directive that less treatment rather than more (e.g., community care vs. hospitalization) is the most desirable objective in treating people with a chronic mental disorder. The principal consideration is combining safety concerns with the minimum level of restrictions on personal liberty. This position was emphasized in two decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge David L. Bazelon (1910–1993) in 1966: Rouse v. Cameron and Lake v. Cameron.

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Psychology term of the day

November 25th 2024

hyperorexia

n. a pathologically increased appetite. See also bulimia. Compare hyporexia.