Citation

Lally MC, Freeman SA. Ethics Behav. 2005; 15(2): 182-190.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1207/s15327019eb1502_6

PMID

16523570

Abstract

This article explores the ethical concept of neutrality through use of a psychiatric clinical vignette. In this case a psychiatry resident is faced with the treatment of a patient who was found by the FBI to be in possession of child pornography. Although not accused of any other crimes, the patient was a fugitive from the law and requesting treatment for pedophilia. Faced with the pressures of limited resources and anxiety about the patient's dangerousness to others, the resident and his supervisor tried to strike a balance between the ethical principles of neutrality and beneficence. Through this vignette, the importance of neutrality, as well as how it can be compromised by other pressures such as expediency and anxiety, is explored.

Language: en

Keywords

Beneficence; Dangerous Behavior; Erotica; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Humans; Internship and Residency; Law Enforcement; Medical Staff, Hospital; Mental Health Therapies; Patient Advocacy; Patient Discharge; Pedophilia; Physician-Patient Relations; Professional Patient Relationship; Psychiatric Department, Hospital; Psychiatry; Suicide Prevention