A psychiatric advance directive allows you to appoint someone to oversee and direct treatment if mental illness prevents you from being capable of doing so yourself. In some cases, you can even direct certain techniques, treatments or medications that should or should not be used to treat your mental illness. About half of the states have specific laws or forms that can be used for psychiatric advance directives. In states that do not have specific laws, the normal power of attorney documents can often be used to accomplish the same thing.
A specific psychiatric advance directive may not be for everyone. However, if you want something different done should you become mentally ill, then talking to an estate planning attorney about a psychiatric advance directive is a good idea.
