Ethical issues in psychiatry

Psychiatrists continue to confront ethical dilemmas in both clinical and forensic contexts, as exemplified by issues such as dangerousness, informed consent, confidentiality, and civil litigation. The ascent in the USA of managed healthcare with its profit motive and business interests, with little regard for medical ethics, is rapidly changing the healthcare delivery system as well as the salient ethical concerns. Additionally, US court decisions by the Federal Court of Appeals in two circuits concerning end-of-life decisions have also propelled this issue into the forensic and ethical forefront of psychiatric practice.