Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6th edition文档.pptVIP

* Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 19 The “Rights” Debate While people with psychological disorders have civil rights that must be protected at all times, many clinicians express concern that patients’ rights rulings may unintentionally deprive these patients of opportunities for recovery Despite legitimate concerns, it is important to remember that the clinical field has not always been effective in protecting patients’ rights Since clinicians themselves often disagree, it seems appropriate for patients, their advocates, and outside evaluators to play key roles in decision making * Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 19 In What Other Ways Do the Clinical and Legal Fields Interact? Mental health and legal professionals may also influence each other’s work in other ways During the past two decades, their paths have crossed in four key areas: Malpractice suits Professional boundaries Jury selection Psychological research of legal topics * Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 19 Law in Psychology: Malpractice Suits The number of malpractice suits against therapists has risen sharply in recent years These claims have addressed a number of different issues, including patient suicide, sexual activity with a patient, failure to obtain informed consent, negligent drug therapy, omission of drug therapy, improper termination of treatment, and wrongful commitment A malpractice suit, or fear of one, can have major effects on clinical decisions and practice * Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 6e – Chapter 19 Law in Psychology : Professional Boundaries During the past several years the legislative and judicial systems have helped change the boundaries that separate one clinical profession from another These bodies have given more authority to psychologists and have blurred the lines between psychiatry and psychology 1991 – The Department of Defense set up a training program for Army psychologists to gain prescription-writing privileges (previously the domain of psych