title: Non-sexual boundary crossings and boundary violations: the ethical dimension.
abstract: The ethical principles relative to nonsexual boundary issues derive from the first principle of respect for the dignity of the patient. Using a case vignette, the authors have explored the mutual derivation and inter-relations of these principles, with clinical approaches to patient care. Clinicians should be aware of the ethical underpinnings of sound therapeutic techniques that manifest respect for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Program in Psychiatry and the Law, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School, 74 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA. gutheilTG@cs.com
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Gutheil
authors.forename: Robert I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000941:ethics*; D014481:United States