THE USE OF AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE IN CONSULTATION-LIAISON PSYCHIATRY - A CASE-REPORT

Objective: The following case report illustrates the use of a psychiat ric advance directive in a surgical setting. Method: The case of a wom an with breast cancer and debilitating pre-operative anxiety is presen ted. Her anxiety was so severe that it resulted in repeated refusal to have necessary surgery. An advance directive facilitated proceeding w ith surgery despite her objections in the immediate pre-operative peri od. Conclusion: Consultation-Liaison psychiatrists should consider the use of an advance directive when preoperative anxiety interferes with decision-making capacity.