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Doctor-Assisted Suicide Case Study Answers

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If there was an impaired individual who committed a murder there would be many factors to take into consideration before proceeding. To begin, it is the court's decision on whether or not the individual serves to be punished. It is the psychologists and psychiatrists jobs to decide whether or not the individual is competent to stand trial. Competent to stand trial is the process in deciding whether or not, “ if he or she is unable to understand the character and consequences of the proceedings against him or her or is unable properly to assist in his or her defense.”(Carabellese, 2008). There needs to be excessive testing by asking the defendant if they understand the charges that are being charged against them. If they cannot have a clear …show more content…
It can be agreed upon that society today relys to much on intelligence tests to make a diagnosis of mental retardation. In reality, there are many ways to also suggest there is an impairment. For example, a main component, “ and most important step in the diagnosis of mental retardation is to obtain a comprehensive patient and family history.”( Buttner, 2011). This can get a sense if there is any impairments in the family that could be genetically impacting the child. In addition, “Assessment of maternal health status during pregnancy with the involved child should include questions regarding use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs (prescribed and illicit); lifestyle or other risks for sexually transmitted diseases; weight gain or loss; signs of infection; serious illness or injury; and surgery or hospitalization.”( Buttner, 2011). This can detect if there was any impairment made due to the mother's actions while being pregnant. Next there can be questions that follow in the baby as an infant including what type of temperament that child has, and sleeping or eating difficulties. ( Buttner, 2011). There can also be interviews with the caregivers, teachers, and physicians on their opinions toward the child's development and if they feel there are limitations. There can also be a physical examination of the child's head circumference to determine any abnormalities as well as an extensive examination for any dysphoric features on the child's body. Dysphoric features could include, “ difficulties in communication, shared psychological conceptualization, and in the building of a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the clinician. “( Buttner, 2011). By combining all of this information towards a child, there can start to be diagnosis made and therefore it is not just relying on testing. Sometimes testing can be wrong and it will not benefit the child in any way if they are misdiagnosed because then they will not receive the proper

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