Clinical psychiatry and ethical dilemmas: from principles to practice

Modern psychiatry is grounded in four fundamental ethical principles: beneficience, non maleficience, autonomy and justice. Yet in daily clinical practice, psychiatrists are frequently confronted with situations where these principles appear in tension—or even direct conflict.

What happens when a patient refuses treatment despite clear clinical risks ?
How do we determine capacity in the context of severe psychiatric illness?
And when, if ever, should public safety outweigh medical confidentiality?

This course will explore some of the most pressing ethical challenges in psychiatry today, from the dilemmas of suicidality and involuntary care, to end-of-life decisions and physician-assisted dying. We will also examine emerging issues such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence in clinical settings and the implications of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Particular attention will be paid to the clinicians role as both caregiver and gatekeeper navigating between personal values, legal frameworks, and the patients expressed wishes.
Through small group discussions, analysis of real-life cases, and pre-course materials, participants will engage with these dilemmas in a reflective and practical way.