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The guidelines are beginning to be used by some care facilities, but the legal issue of respecting informed consent for medications generally and anti-psychotic medications in particular may continue to be elusive for some time.
In the area of medication use in residential care, it is equally important to have a clear understanding of the multiple purposes for which medications are prescribed and appropriately used for residents with complex and chronic health conditions. The Office of the Seniors Advocate's recent monitoring report has noted that a large proportion of residents are being prescribed antidepressants without necessarily having a diagnosis of depression. ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|8]]) Antidepressants are often used for pain control for people experiencing chronic pain and are considered internationally recognized as a mainstay in the treatment of many chronic pain conditions — even when depression isn't is not a factor. ([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|9]])
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#Voluntary, informed, consent from a capable adult must be sought except in particular circumstances.
::- A Review of the Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in British Columbia Residential Care Facilities, p. 11.
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