APA Dictionary of Psychology

therapy administered without the informed consent of the recipient, such as to an individual with a mental disorder. Forced treatment may include court-ordered administration of psychoactive drugs to a person to restore their competency to stand trial or the involuntary hospitalization of a person considered dangerous to themself or others. Many question the ethical acceptability of the practice, citing its infringement of autonomy and the right to refuse treatment and its lack of scientifically demonstrated effectiveness; such controversy has intensified in recent decades. Also called coercive treatment; involuntary treatment.