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Psychiatric Ethics from a Patient's Perspective: Basic Bioethics

Fletcher Mitchell

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Published in Mental Patient: Psychiatric Ethics From A Patient S Perspective (Basic Bioethics)

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Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. Psychiatric ethics, a specialized field within bioethics, focuses on the specific moral issues that arise in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with mental illness. Patients with mental health conditions often face unique ethical challenges, such as issues related to informed consent, confidentiality, and involuntary treatment.

This book, "Psychiatric Ethics from a Patient's Perspective: Basic Bioethics," provides a comprehensive examination of these ethical issues from the perspective of patients themselves. Drawing on personal stories and experiences, the book explores the ethical dilemmas that patients encounter and offers guidance on how to navigate these challenges with dignity and respect.

The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles of bioethics:

Mental Patient: Psychiatric Ethics from a Patient’s Perspective (Basic Bioethics)

by Ashley McKenna LPCC

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	625 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	203 pages

Autonomy: The patient's right to make informed decisions about their own body and treatment.
Beneficence: The obligation to act in the patient's best interests.
Non-maleficence: The duty to do no harm to the patient.
Justice: The fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

These principles serve as the ethical framework for understanding the various issues discussed in the book.

One of the most important ethical considerations in psychiatric care is obtaining informed consent from patients. Informed consent requires that patients have a clear understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks involved, before making decisions about their care.

In the context of mental illness, obtaining informed consent can be challenging. Patients may experience difficulty understanding complex medical information, or they may lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves due to their illness. The book explores these challenges and provides ethical guidance on how to obtain informed consent in such cases.

Another key ethical issue in psychiatric care is confidentiality. Patients have a right to privacy, and their medical information should only be shared with others with their explicit consent. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as situations where the patient poses a danger to themselves or others.

The book examines the ethical implications of confidentiality in psychiatric care and provides guidance on how to maintain patient privacy while balancing other important ethical obligations.

In some cases, individuals with mental illness may be involuntarily treated against their will. This can occur when the individual is considered a danger to themselves or others, or when they lack the capacity to make decisions about their own care.

The book explores the ethical issues surrounding involuntary treatment and provides an overview of the legal safeguards in place to protect the rights of patients. The book also discusses the role of patient advocacy in the context of involuntary treatment.

Mental health stigma is a significant barrier to accessing care. Stigma can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, which can prevent individuals from seeking help.

The book discusses the harmful effects of mental health stigma and explores ethical strategies for combating it. The book also provides tips for patients on how to cope with stigma and advocate for their own mental health needs.

"Psychiatric Ethics from a Patient's Perspective: Basic Bioethics" is an essential resource for anyone involved in the mental health field. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues that arise in psychiatric care and offers practical guidance on how to navigate these challenges with compassion and respect.

This book is a must-read for psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other mental health professionals. It is also a valuable resource for patients with mental illness, their families and friends, and anyone who is interested in the ethical dimensions of mental health care.

Mental Patient: Psychiatric Ethics from a Patient’s Perspective (Basic Bioethics)

by Ashley McKenna LPCC

4.7 out of 5