Ethical Issues in Mental Illness

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'ethics' derive from?

The term 'ethics' derives from the Greek word 'ethikos,' meaning rules of conduct.

Name one goal of ethics in mental health care.

One goal is to deliver competent, compassionate, and respectful care.

How are ethics and law related?

Ethics and law are closely related but not synonymous.

What is one objective of professional ethics?

One objective is to provide guidelines of conduct among professionals. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is raised regarding the labeling of dissenters?

It raises the concern that dissenters may be unjustly labeled as mentally ill. Signup and view all the answers

What significant publication did WHO release regarding diagnoses?

WHO published the ICD-10 to make diagnoses more precise. Signup and view all the answers

List one area included in the objectives of professional ethics.

Confidentiality is one area included. Signup and view all the answers

What type of treatment does informed consent relate to?

Informed consent relates to voluntary treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change does the DSM-V bring to psychiatric diagnosis?

The DSM-V provides compatibility with the previous diagnostic systems, ending controversies surrounding psychiatric diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

What should informed consent protect regarding the patient's rights?

Informed consent should protect the patient's human rights and ensure they are informed about their illness and treatment options. Signup and view all the answers

List one key component that should be included in the information provided by the physician during informed consent.

The nature of the disorder is a key component that should be included. Signup and view all the answers

How does competence relate to a patient's ability to give informed consent?

Competence refers to the patient's ability to understand their problems and the need for treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with consent given by psychiatric patients?

Psychiatric patients may lack insight and may give consent for misguided reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a manic patient provide consent for treatment?

A manic patient might challenge the doctor to administer all drugs available, potentially giving consent for the wrong reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What does the consumer protection movement compel the medical profession to do?

It compels the medical profession to provide detailed information to safeguard both patients and themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What is one important detail that should be communicated regarding treatment options?

Patients should be informed about the prognosis of the disorder with and without treatment options. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary requirement before a patient can give informed consent?

The patient must fully comprehend the information provided and be able to decide on the course of treatment. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances can a patient be treated without consent?

A patient can be treated in an emergency even without consent. Signup and view all the answers

Why are minors not considered to be legally competent to give consent?

Minors, or those below the age of 18, are not legally recognized as capable of giving consent. Signup and view all the answers

What should mental health professionals do regarding treatment options?

They should educate patients about the treatment modalities available and their right to choose. Signup and view all the answers

How does the availability of psychiatric facilities affect informed consent in practice?

Inadequate facilities may limit real options, forcing patients to accept what is available. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of coercion in obtaining consent from psychiatric patients.

Coercion can come from employers, family, or medical personnel, impacting patients' decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one strategy for obtaining consent from patients when they become competent?

Consent should be obtained in writing as soon as the patient is competent. Signup and view all the answers

What should a standard written information sheet include for patients?

It should explain treatment modalities and include a clause for further questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of treatment within the context of patient respect and human rights?

The primary aim is the early restoration of the individual's functioning. Signup and view all the answers

List two examples of unethical practices that violate patient rights.

Unnecessary restraints and solitary confinement. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental rights should each patient have during treatment?

Privacy and uncensored opportunities for communication. Signup and view all the answers

Name a safeguard that must be in place for psychiatric research involving human subjects.

Informed consent. Signup and view all the answers

How has the doctor-patient relationship evolved in modern medical treatment?

It is now influenced by external agencies like insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason patients often demand early discharge from hospitalization?

Patients often demand early discharge due to a desire to continue their lives outside of the hospital setting. Signup and view all the answers

In what situations can involuntary treatment be obtained for psychiatric patients?

Involuntary treatment can be obtained through a court order when evidence of the patient's mental illness is presented. Signup and view all the answers

What should be safeguarded to maintain patient confidentiality?

Patient records should be strictly safeguarded and access limited to the treating team and authorized family members. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma arises when a patient shares potentially harmful intentions?

The dilemma involves choosing between protective privilege and public peril when a patient indicates intent to harm others. Signup and view all the answers

How should a psychiatrist handle a situation where a patient poses a threat to public safety?

The psychiatrist should assess the risk severity and consider consulting with family and colleagues before taking action. Signup and view all the answers

What should a psychiatrist obtain before testifying about a patient's case?

A psychiatrist should obtain the patient's consent before testifying; if denied, they must express their protest to the court. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to unauthorized disclosure of a patient's sensitive information?

Unauthorized disclosure can occur if the treating team does not strictly control access to patient records. Signup and view all the answers

Why might relatives seek hospitalization for an individual with malicious intentions?

Relatives may seek hospitalization for malicious reasons, which can lead to unethical practices in mental health care. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abnormal Psychology: Ethical Issues in Mental Illness

Abnormal psychology course, PSY 056T, taught by Sarah Malaki
Course covers ethical issues in mental illnesses.

Lesson 12: Ethical Issues in Mental Illness

Introduction to Ethics:
- Ethics is the art of healing, stemming from the Greek word ethikos meaning "rules of conduct governing human disposition."
- Simpler definition: principles of right conduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica defines ethics as the systematic study of the ultimate problems of human conduct.
- Modern ethical dilemmas include organ transplantation, euthanasia, and artificial life prolongation.
Goals of Ethics:
- Deliver competent, compassionate and respectful care.
- Deal honestly with patients and colleagues.
- Act within the bounds of the law.
- Respect patient rights and autonomy.
- Be responsible to the community and society.
Sources of Ethics:
- Law and ethics are related but not synonymous.
- Religion informs many ethical decisions.
- Professional associations and their guidelines play a role in shaping ethical conduct.
Objectives of Professional Ethics:
- Professionals should have guidelines of conduct among themselves including referrals, consultations fees, and feedback.
- Guidelines should cover interaction with patients, their relatives and other parties.
- Key areas include diagnosis, informed consent, voluntary & involuntary treatment & hospitalisation, confidentiality, respect for patient rights, responsibility toward third parties and psychiatric research.
Class Discussion:
- The class will discuss ethical issues in mental health care.

Objectives of Professional Ethics

Diagnosis:
- Some schools of thought question the very existence of psychiatry, denying mental illness is a disease.
- Thomas Szasz argues a logical error in classifying psychological issues as diseases.
- Humanists raise objections to labeling dissenters as mentally ill.
- The boundaries of mental illness are debated.
- The ICD-10 and DSM-V provide diagnostic systems to standardise diagnoses & offer an approach to ending the ongoing discussion.
- However, psychiatric diagnoses shouldn’t equal legal insanity and should not be used for reduced responsibility.
Informed Consent:
- Traditionally, psychiatrists made treatment decisions without patient input.
- Patient rights are now protected & patients should be informed on the nature & treatment options. This empowers them to be involved in decision-making.
- Consumer protection demands detailed information for patients.
- Information must include: the nature of the disorder, prognosis with & without treatment, treatment options, reasons for recommended treatment, possible drawbacks, and the option for withdrawal of consent.
- Patient competence to understand information & the freedom to choose is critical.
- Competent patients should understand their illness & treatment options, making decisions free of biases.
- Consent can be waived in emergencies. Minors are not legally competent to consent. Specified legal relatives can consent for admission and out-patient treatment for minors.
- Informed consent must be obtained from all competent patients.
- Freedom to choose is part of informed consent and requires access to options and enough information to make a well-informed decision.
Involuntary vs. Voluntary Treatment:
- Patients may be involuntarily admitted if deemed a danger to themselves or others.
- Voluntary patients may still be coerced by employers, families, or others.
- Temporary hospitalization for sanity's sake is preferred to chronic illness.
- Evidence of mental illness may require courtroom action.
- Relatives sometimes seek hospitalization out of malicious intent, which professionals must be aware of.
Confidentiality:
- Information learned from patients during treatment shouldn't be shared without consent. Patient records are confidential. Unauthorized parties (excluding the treating team and the patient's family) should not access records.
- Patient wishes, especially post-recovery, need to be respected concerning access to their records.
- In cases where disclosure involves danger to others, the dilemma of privilege vs. public safety must be addressed. Should a therapist inform others if a patient reveals harm to others, or should confidentiality remain paramount?
Solutions to confidentiality dilemmas:
- Consider the severity of the risk and choose an appropriate response.
- Counselors should contact those involved parties (family, friends or police) to resolve the conflict between the obligation of confidentiality and public safety.
- Consent to testify is required from the patient. If not forthcoming, one should depose after filing a protest with the court.
Respect for the Patient and His Human Rights:
- Patients should be respected as individuals toward early restoration.
- Actions shouldn't infringe on human rights.
- Unnecessary restraints, solitary confinement or physical punishment violate ethics.
- Patients need basic rights like privacy, access to information, communication with others, good food, and hygiene.
- Treatment methods shouldn't involve pain or torture. Treatment must be respectful of human rights.
Third-Party Responsibility:
- Modern treatment involves external parties like insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and the government.
- Doctor-patient relationships don't fully encompass the treatment interaction now.
Psychiatric Research:
- Research is vital for knowledge advancement.
- Ethical guidelines are critical when involving human participants, such as informed consent, no harm, confidentiality and absence of coercion.

Additional Information

The provided material includes references to a presentation or lecture. Relevant resources are listed in a references section.
The presentation concludes with a Q&A session and a thank you.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the ethical issues surrounding mental illness as discussed in Abnormal Psychology course PSY 056T. You will explore the principles of ethics, the goals of ethical practice, and the relationship between law and ethics in mental health care. Test your understanding of these critical topics and their implications for patient care.

Ethical Issues in Mental Illness - PSY 056T

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