Malpractice in Psychiatry

Malpractice in psychiatry, particularly in forensic psychiatry, refers to situations where a psychiatrist fails to provide the standard level of care, leading to harm to a patient or misjudgment in legal contexts. This might include inadequate assessment of a patient's mental state, improper treatment, or failure to fulfill duties such as evaluating competency for trial. It can also involve breaches of confidentiality or misdiagnosis. Such negligence can have serious implications not only for the patient but also for legal proceedings, making it essential for forensic psychiatrists to adhere strictly to ethical and professional standards.