The conflict and reconciliation of the ethical interests of therapist and patient

Abstract

In this article attention is focused on the failure of the medical and legal professions to police themselves. One cause of this failure stems from the lack of communication about ethical and moral principles in the training of the attorney and the physician. The role of the psychiatrist is then singled out for consideration in regard to important ethical interests between the psychiatrist and patient. There are four major areas of conflict that are explored: (1) human experimentation, (2) informed consent, (3) confidentiality and privilege, (4) the professional obligation to exercise due care. The ramifications and potential difficulties for the psychiatrist-patient relationship concerning these issues are explored.