psychiatric ethics

Psychiatric ethics involves principles that guide mental health professionals to provide respectful, confidential, and fair care. It emphasizes respecting patients’ rights, ensuring informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding harm. These ethics also promote honesty, competence, and cultural sensitivity to support patients’ well-being while navigating complex issues like involuntary treatment or managing dual relationships. Essentially, psychiatric ethics aim to balance the patient's autonomy and dignity with the clinician’s responsibility to do no harm and provide best-practice care.