Hi Mira, Downs syndrome and Alzheimers aren't mental illnesses ( although
psychiatrists would like to encompass them in their diagnostic nosology to give
say ADHD credibility.) Competence is determined for individuals that have
neurological diseases like Downs or Alzheimers on a case by case basis. Like
deterining who can still drive a car. A person with Downs may be competent
suficiently to be an eye witness in a court trial or work as a cashier at a fast
food - but maybe not as a brain surgeon. Do you know any person with Downs
syndrome that graduated Medical school? On the other hand, kids that have the
label ADHD more than likely have no neurological condition at all - unless the
ritalin is doing the damage.

Martin



To: thomasszaszdiscussion@...: mirah@...: Mon, 18 Aug
2008 19:22:18 +0200Subject: Re: [ThomasSzaszDiscussion] Man kills mother --
whose at fault?




Martin Kessler wrote:> Szasz believes in personal responsibility and holds a
person> responsible for their acts which have reasons.Yes, when the person is
competent. From the article, Bruce sounds pretty coherent, so we can assume he's
competent.But what about someone who isn't? Say someone with Down or
Alzheimer?Then my next question is going to be: how do we determine
competence?Mira





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