Which of the following is NOT a component of decision-making capacity?

• A. Understanding of information.
• B. Ability to communicate a choice.
• C. Mood or emotional state.
• D. Appreciation of consequences for self.

Answer: (C)

Understanding information, expressing a choice, and appreciating the consequences are the essential elements used to judge decision-making capacity. Mood or emotional state, while it can influence how someone demonstrates those abilities, is not itself a formal component of capacity assessment. For example, a person who feels depressed may still understand the information, recognize the potential outcomes, reason about options, and clearly communicate a choice, which would indicate capacity. Capacity is specific to the decision and the moment, so a person can have capacity for one decision and not for another, depending on these core abilities.