title: Shared decision-making preferences of people with severe mental illness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Perceived roles and preferences were explored for shared decision making among persons with severe mental illnesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this pilot study, 30 adult clients with severe mental illness in a community mental health center were surveyed about decision making regarding psychiatric medications, rehabilitation, and general medical care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clients generally expressed a desire for greater participation in decisions about psychiatric care than they currently experienced. Regarding use of new psychiatric medications, 23 persons (77%) preferred autonomous or shared roles, but only 11 (37%) rated their current roles as more than passive (z=-2.83, p=.005). Clients were less likely to prefer a passive role in medication decisions about psychiatric care than about general medical care (seven persons, or 23%, versus 23 persons, or 77%; z=-3.01, p=.003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most clients with severe mental illnesses prefer shared decision making, particularly in relation to their mental health care.
authors.affiliation: Dartmouth Medical School, 400 Kellogg Bldg., Hanover, NH 03755, USA. jared.adams@dartmouth.edu
authors.forename: Jared R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Drake
authors.forename: George L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Wolford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009513:New Hampshire; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires