Mental capacity is a difficult yet fundamental concept that is becoming more influential in psychiatric practice. Assessment of mental capacity for research purposes has proven possible but empirical research into this area is relatively new. I report on empirical studies that have assessed the reliability of capacity assessments and the associations with psychopathology. Such information can help to guide decision-making both at a clinician–patient level and also at a policy level. The decision-making at issue is some of the most fundamental we face in medicine.
Gareth S Owen MRCPsych is a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Fellow in biomedical ethics at the Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK. He trained in medicine at Addrenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge and in Psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital London. Conflicts of interest: none declared
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