ETHICS Applying appropriate ethical principles in diagnosing cases of abnormal behavior. Ethical Issues in Diagnosing Abnormal Behavior - Should be a board passer. Psychiatrists (MD) - “Iatry” refers to medical treatment - Medical doctor - Assess both mental and physical aspects of psychological problems - Conduct and prescribe medical terms - Prescription of medicine Psychologists (PHD) - “Ology” refers to the study of a topic - Advanced degree - Extensive training in research or clinical practice - Specialize in psychological testing and evaluation Similarity of MD and PHD - Experts in mental health - Conduct psychotherapy Psychiatry only believes psychopathology is caused by biological factors, while Psychology gives us another idea that psychopathology is caused by repressed emotion, faulty cognitions, and traumatic events. Deliberate Misdiagnosis There are two main types of deliberate misdiagnosis relevant to the ethical standards for psycholist 1. Over-diagnosing | Up-coding - Clinicians select more severe diagnosis than the accurate diagnosis. Most common type of deliberate misdiagnosis. - Diagnosing for dollars - Over-diagnosing to re-imburse or collect money - For the benefit of the clinician 2. Under-diagnosing - Clinician selects a less severe diagnosis than the accurate diagnosis. - For the benefit of the patient Ethical Principles and Standards Relevant to Diagnosis - Professionals must conduct their activities in a highly ethical manner and are required to be familiar with the ethical standards relevant to their activities. - Their intent is to guide and inspire psychologist toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession. PAP (Psychological Association of the Philippines) – Filipino version of APA Principle A: Beneficence and non-maleficence - Benefit those with whom they work and take care of to do no harm. Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility - Aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to society and to the specific communities in which they work. Psychologists seek to manage conflicts of interest that could lead to exploitation or harm. - No biases - No dual relationship Principle C: Integrity - Seek to promote accuracy, honesty and truthfulness in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology. - Dignity Principle D: Justice - Recognize that fairness and justice entitle all person to access to and benefit from the contributions of psychology and to equal quality in the process, procedures and services being conducted by psychologists. - Exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases do not lead to or condone unjust practices. - IRR 10029 (SEARCH) Principle E: Respect for People’s Right and Dignity - Aware that special safeguards may be necessary to protect the rights and welfare of the persons or communities whose vulnerabilities impair autonomous decision making. - Aware of and respect cultural, individual and role differences, including those based on age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Competence A. Clinicians must always represent their training accurately. B. Clinicians have an obligation to “actively present themselves correctly with regard to training and all other aspects of competence. C. Clinicians should not attempt treatment or assessment procedures for which they lack specific training and speciailist. D. It is equally important that clinicians be sensitive to treatment or assessment issues that could be influenced by patient’s gender, ethnic or racial background E. Not to deprive individuals or group of necessary services 1. Have closely related training or experience 2. Make reasonable effort to obtain competence required F. Shall undertake continuing education and training to ensure our services continue to be relevant and applicable. Privacy and Confidentiality A. Clinicians have a clear ethical duty to respect and protect the confidentiality of the client’s information. B. Clinicians should be clear and open about matters of confidentiality and the other conditions under which it could be breached. C. Should follow laws/ state laws. Human Relations A. Sexual activities, with clients, employing a client, selling a product to a client, or even becoming friends with a client after termination of therapy are all behaviors that can easily lead to exploitation of and harm to the client. B. In our work-related activities, we shall not discriminate against a person based on gender, age, gender identity, race etc. C. We do not engage in sexual harassment. Informed Consent A. Shall obtain the informed consent of the individual using language that is reasonably understandable to that person. B. We shall nevertheless (a) provide ab appropriate explanation (b) seek individual’s assest (c) consider such person’s preference and best interests (d) obtain appropriate permissions from legally authorized person. C. Inform the individual of the nature or the anticipated services; court order or mandated and any limits of confidentiality. D. Document written, oral etc.
