Ethically sensitive mental health care: Is there a need for a unique ethics for psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: This article takes up the challenge to comment and extend on Jennifer Radden's claims for a 'unique ethics for psychiatry' articulated in 'Notes towards a professional ethics for psychiatry', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 2002; 36:52-59. Method: The author is analytically trained in bioethics and employs the method of conceptual analysis. Results: Psychiatry is a unique mental health care practice which calls for unique ethical responses. However, it doesn't necessarily follow that a unique ethics for psychiatry is required. Conclusions: A more plausible explanation for how philosophical ethics informs the unique nature of psychiatric practice is better articula..