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Ethical Problems Regarding Sex between Therapist and Patient

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Ethical Practice in Psychiatry and the Law

Part of the book series: Critical Issues in American Psychiatry and the Law ((CIAP,volume 7))

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Abstract

The sexual exploitation of patients by their therapists has been a perennial thorn in the side of psychiatry. Surveys of therapists have revealed that 5–10% have engaged in sexual activity with patients, while about 40% of psychiatrists admit knowing at least one such colleague. Forensic psychiatrists are also subject to sexual misconduct, although the national organization, the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, has traditionally relied on the far larger American Psychiatric Association (APA) to adjudicate such charges against its members. An examination of the workings of a large APA District Branch Ethics Committee suggests that psychiatrists can successfully investigate, discipline, and deter unethical behavior by colleagues. Although due-process considerations impose certain limitations on ascertaining the veracity of some allegations of sexual abuse, the ethics committee remains a viable means to safeguard the standards of our profession.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Administration Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, 90073, USA

    Spencer Eth

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90024, USA

    Spencer Eth

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA

    Spencer Eth

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  1. Spencer Eth
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 10016, New York, New York, USA

    Richard Rosner M.D. (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director) (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director)

  2. Forensic Psychiatry Clinic of the New York Criminal and Supreme Courts, 100 Centre Street, 10013, New York, New York, USA

    Richard Rosner M.D. (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director) (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director)

  3. Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Alcoholism Services of the City of New York, New York, New York, USA

    Richard Rosner M.D. (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director) (Clinical Professor, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry and Medical Director)

  4. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 90024, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Robert Weinstock M.D. (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry) (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry)

  5. Forensic and Ethical Consultation, Psychiatry Service, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, 90073, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Robert Weinstock M.D. (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry) (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry)

  6. Psychiatric Training, Student Psychological Services, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Robert Weinstock M.D. (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry) (Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Psychiatry)

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© 1990 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Eth, S. (1990). Ethical Problems Regarding Sex between Therapist and Patient. In: Rosner, R., Weinstock, R. (eds) Ethical Practice in Psychiatry and the Law. Critical Issues in American Psychiatry and the Law, vol 7. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1663-1_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1663-1_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-1665-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-1663-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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