People often have different understandings about what is meant by covert medication. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWC) defines covert medication as ‘The administration of any medical treatment in disguised form by administering it in food and drink. As a result the person is unknowingly taking medication’.

Covert medication is sometimes necessary and justified but should never be given to people who are capable of deciding themselves. Giving medication by deception is potentially an assault.

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