Ethics in the practice of psychiatry in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine attitudes with regard to ethics in the practice of psychiatry in South Africa.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
The study utilised clinical vignettes, with gender and race of the patient as potential modifying variables in diagnosis and management. Open-ended questions pertaining to potential abuses were included.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to all practising psychiatrists in South Africa in 1993 and 1994.


METHODS
Responses to questionnaire.


RESULTS
A 40% response rate was obtained (N = 73). Patient race and gender did not influence diagnosis or have a marked impact on the prescription of treatment. Pressure from the patient's family on the psychiatrist did alter case management, as did the psychiatrist's age and gender in some instances. Racial discrimination, sexual misconduct and economic abuses were the most frequently cited areas of observed abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of an ethical framework for the practice of psychiatry in South Africa would appear to be of critical importance.
Szabo
C P
CP
Department of Psychiatry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Kohn
R
R
Gordon
A
A
Levav
I
I
Hart
G A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003219:Confidentiality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010259:Paranoid Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010356:Patient Isolation; D011570:Psychiatry; D044469:Racial Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires