A criticism of psychiatry (and psychotherapy in general) is that can be paternalistic. The clinician can set oneself up as an expert on the  patient’s life which leads to withholding information, choices, and autonomy. The most extreme form of this is when a psychiatrist or psychologist commits an individual to a locked inpatient facility because s/he believes the patient might seriously harm themselves or someone else. But there are subtler forms of paternalism such as giving too much advice and limiting information about treatment options. When the overall condition of the patient is improved, does it justify being paternalistic? Listen to the show and decide for yourself.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Joshua

References:

Blease, Trachsel, M., & Grosse Holtforth, M.  (2016). Paternalism, Placebos, and Informed Consent in Psychotherapy:  The Challenge of Ethical Disclosure. https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-127954

Prass, Ewell, A., Hill, C. E., & Kivleghan,  D. M. (2021). Solicited and Unsolicited Therapist Advice in  Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Is it Advised? Counselling Psychology  Quarterly, 34(2), 253-274. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070/2020.1723492