What constitutes "grave disability" in an adult with a mental disorder?

• A. Inability to engage socially
• B. Inability to hold employment
• C. Inability to provide for basic needs
• D. Inability to communicate effectively

Answer: (C)

Grave disability refers to a condition where an individual is unable to provide for their basic needs, such as food, clothing, or shelter, due to a mental disorder. This definition is crucial for understanding the implications of mental health conditions on a person’s ability to function in society. When someone is deemed to be gravely disabled, it typically indicates that their mental health significantly impairs their capacity to care for themselves, which may require intervention and support to ensure their safety and well-being.

In this context, while difficulties in social engagement, maintaining employment, and communicating effectively may contribute to an individual's overall functioning and quality of life, they do not, by themselves, constitute the legal or clinical definition of grave disability. The focus is specifically on the essential needs for survival and how a mental disorder impacts the ability to meet those needs.