Schizophrenia and civil law: medical-legal repercussions in light of the Statute of Persons with Disabilities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1443Keywords:
schizophrenia, psychopathology, mental health, psychological discrimination, discernment, Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, mental disorderAbstract
Introduction: The enactment of the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (Law No. 13.146/2015) profoundly restructured the concept of civil capacity in Brazil, promoting inclusion and prioritizing the autonomy of individuals with disabilities. The new legislation changed the theory of legal capacity in the Civil Code, eliminating absolute incapacity for persons with disabilities and restricting it to those under 16 years of age. However, this reform has generated debate about the effects of presuming full legal capacity, particularly in individuals with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Objective: This article critically analyzes the application of the statute, arguing that the exclusion of discernment as a criterion may compromise the protection of individuals whose decision-making abilities are significantly impaired. Method: A narrative review of interdisciplinary literature focusing on studies in psychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral psychology that address the evolution and current understanding of schizophrenia. Results: Psychiatric literature demonstrates that schizophrenia, especially during acute episodes, causes cognitive and executive deficits that impair reality perception and risk evaluation. Conclusion: It is argued that excluding discernment as a legal criterion for assessing civil capacity creates a normative gap that exposes these individuals to legal and social vulnerabilities. Therefore, the article proposes a revision of the current model, advocating for the reintegration of the criterion of discernment into the legal system as a means of reconciling autonomy and protection. Only through this adjustment will it be possible to ensure greater legal security and respect for the psychiatric reality of individuals with severe mental disorders.
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