Consumers in psychiatry
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term “consumer” means a person who buys goods and services or one that utilizes economic goods. ‘It refers to the one who consumes, destroys, spends or wastes.’ (Torrey, 2010).
In psychiatry, the term is used to put across the idea that persons who benefit from psychiatric services ought to take part in decisions made. That they make their own choices and be fully involved in the decision-making process. (Torrey, 2010).
Psychiatry, on the other hand, is a brunch of medicine that that deals with mental or emotional disorders as well as behavioral disorders. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).Such diseases therefore, may affect the brain, leaving the person with less or even zero awareness of the presence of the illness in them. Take an example of Schizophrenia, for instance, which ‘exhibits abnormalities of the brain.’ (Torrey, 2010). The disease especially affects the self-awareness part of the brain. Thus, the term,’ consumer’ cannot be beneficial if used with the persons suffering from such a disorder since a big number of them may be excluded, especially because they may not even be aware that they have the disease.
In conclusion, the term, ‘consumer’ appears discriminating, because, while it may favour some persons suffering from some mental or emotional disorders, some may be left out since they may not be in a position to make a decision, let alone the right one. Hence, a more inclusive term should be used.