decision-making capacity

Decision-Making Capacity refers to an individual's ability to understand information relevant to a decision, weigh the options, and communicate a choice. It involves four key skills: understanding the situation, appreciating the consequences, reasoning through the options, and expressing a clear choice. Capacity can vary based on the complexity of the decision and the person's mental state at the time. For instance, someone may have capacity for simple decisions but not for more complex ones. It's an important concept in fields like healthcare and law to ensure individuals can make their own informed choices.