Case Discussions

Abstract

This chapter consists of 30 clinical cases that delve into the intricate realm of ethical quandaries experienced by psychiatrists in the course of their authentic engagements with patients. The chapter involves a systematic approach to each case, beginning with a comprehensive summary that lays the groundwork for subsequent ethical examinations. Upon presenting the case summaries, the ethical predicaments inherent to the specific content are identified. To further unravel the complexities, an ethical analysis method tailored to each case's unique challenges is employed. While some cases warranted the application of a singular ethical analysis method, others demanded a more nuanced exploration, prompting the comparison of multiple ethical frameworks within the confines of the same case. The ethical analysis encompasses a diversity of approaches, including the application of principle-based analysis, virtue ethics, and deontological reasoning. Additionally, guidance provided by esteemed ethical protocols, incorporating insights from ethical guides such as the WMA Declaration of Helsinki, the WMA Declaration of Lisbon, and the Council of Europe's Oviedo Convention, is harvested in the process. This multifaceted approach allowed us to conduct a thorough and nuanced exploration of each case, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the ethical landscape within psychiatrists' professional interactions. The juxtaposition of various ethical analysis methods not only enriched the depth of our examination but also provided a nuanced perspective that acknowledged the complexity inherent in ethical decision-making within the field of psychiatry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.