Psychiatric Diagnoses and Informed Consent
Clark, A.
Journal of Clinical Ethics 29(2): 93-99
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1046-7890 PMID: 29916825 Document Number: 696329
Although informed consent for treatment has become a cornerstone principle of psychiatric care, the process of diagnosis has remained largely in the hands of the physician alone. While the conferring of a psychiatric diagnosis has historically not been considered a form of medical intervention, the potential impact of a diagnosis for any particular patient may be substantial. This article explores the challenges involved in balancing respect for patients with the physician's duty of truth-telling and clinical accuracy.