Doheny, then a psychiatric consultant, discontinued neuroleptic medication in February 1980 due to Jarvis' "severe akasthisia and lack of symptoms." Jarvis remained off medications for nearly 1 year. Because of Jarvis' discomfort, the medication was changed to Serentil.
See Goodman & Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapuetics 405-06 (7th ed. The patient may attempt to obtain relief by constant, repetitive motions primarily of the extremities. Akathesia refers to strong subjective feelings of distress or restlessness which cause a compelling need for the patient to be in constant motion. Because Jarvis' doctor noted "significant side effects" from Prolixin, a different drug (Navane) was used.
In November 1978, a second course of neuroleptic treatment was begun. He discontinued treatment in the summer of 1978. Jarvis' treating physician, concerned over Jarvis' severe side effects, also doubted that significant progress would be made with medication. He immediately complained of tremors, blurred vision, tiredness and difficult urination.
Jarvis was first treated with neuroleptic medication (Prolixin) in March 1977, shortly after his commitment. He has been caustic, derogatory and sarcastic in his interactions with the hospital staff. Jarvis has apparently been quite a difficult patient, at times refusing to cooperate in treatment programming, group therapy, individual counseling, or psychological interviews. The question of involuntary medication in emergency situations is, therefore, not before the court. The record contains no evidence that Jarvis is currently violent. However, Jarvis is articulate and intelligent and his self-care skills are intact. He also believes that the medications he receives *141 are poisoning him.
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Jarvis denies that he is ill or requires professional help and believes that hospital personnel and the courts have conspired to commit him indefinitely. Although the court of appeals concluded that he had been diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, the record seems to indicate the more appropriate diagnosis to be paranoid state because Jarvis lacks hallucinations. The diagnosis of Jarvis' mental illness is not clear. This case involves only the most recent course of treatment, which began in December 1984 and ended in September 1985. He was convicted of manslaughter for the death and has served and been discharged from his sentence.ĭuring his period of commitment, Jarvis has been involuntarily treated with major tranquilizers or neuroleptic medication four times. Homer Jarvis was indeterminately committed to the Minnesota Security Hospital in March 1977 as mentally ill and dangerous after the shooting death of his sister.
We reverse the court of appeals in part, affirm in part and remand. He also seeks review of the court's determination that his claim for post-medication review and damages is moot. Heard, considered and decided by the court en banc.Īppellant Homer Jarvis seeks review of a decision of the court of appeals which held that involuntary treatment with neuroleptic drugs was not an intrusive treatment per se and thus did not require court approval to administer under the procedural requirements of Price v. LEVINE, in his official capacity as Commissioner of Human Services, et al., Respondents. Homer JARVIS, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Petitioner, Appellant,