Oxford Casebook of Psychiatric Ethics

Ethical decision-making is an integral aspect of clinical care. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals are often confronted with moral choices, such as whether the involuntary administration of medication is ever ethical, or whether a pledge of confidentiality can be absolute in the face of evolving clinical circumstances. Part of the Oxford Casebooks in Psychiatry series, this book aims to help mental health care personnel identify a myriad of ethical dilemmas that arise during treatment, and to guide them towards resolving such situations in ways that best promote patients' welfare. In so doing, it additionally informs clinicians about their role as moral agents.

Following a review of established ethical theories, and discussion of a methodology for applying them to the clinical setting, the Oxford Casebook of Psychiatric Ethics follows the hypothetical case history of a single patient in order to illustrate prominent, vital ethical issues inherent in mental health care. These include aspects of the therapeutic relationship, confidentiality, informed consent, involuntary treatment, predictive genetic testing, physician-assisted suicide, and the role of culture in mental health care, as well as issues related to diagnosis, academic endeavours, pharmacologic treatment, and forensic practice.

Presented in a clear and approachable way, this cleverly written book is a valuable resource for students beginning their professional training, as well as for established practitioners whose schooling in ethics was limited. It is also an appropriate text for an introductory course of clinical ethics.