When someone is declared a "threat to oneself" is this the same thing as being declared "mentally incompetent"

Question

In other words, if you are declared a threat to yourself are you also automatically mentally incompetant?

Answer 1

They are two different concepts. Mental incompetence means that you are incapable of making decisions for yourself. A good example would be someone with a dementia who is no longer able to look after their affairs.

If someone is declared a threat to themselves, it means that they are likely to harm themselves. Usually, but not always, this means intentionally. But you can be mentally competent and a threat to yourself at the same time. Being suicidal, for example, does not mean you are automatically incompetent. A better example, perhaps: if you have a terminal illness and wish to forego treatment, it does not imply incompetence. It may be well thought out and rational, even though ultimately harmful to yourself.

Answer 2

No. Someone being a threat to themselves means that they are believed to cause themselves harm. Mentally incompetent means that they are do not show sound judgment or thought processes.

Answer 3

Each state has its own laws and definitions. Essentially, they all provide for the treatment of those in need (read involuntarily) but legal and medical definitions are never the same. Typically it falls into three categories:
1. Danger to self- suicidal
2. Danger to others- homicidal
3. Gravely disabled- unable to care for ones self