In Two Minds: A Casebook of Psychiatric Ethics

''As a companion to the acclaimed Psychiatric Ethics this book comes with certain expectations and is unlikely to disappoint.'' -Bulletin of Medical Ethics No. 174,''Medical ethics is fascinating, but for those unfamiliar with the language it is difficult to penetrate. That is until this book... One to have and read when real dilemmas present and when thought stimulation is sought.'' -Hospital Medicine''This is an excellent and challenging read in that it actually makes you think about your own work and interactions in the clinical setting... Buy it, read it and revisit it several times.'' -Mental Health Today''This is a scholarly book that will serve as a reference book as well as a guide to ethical psychiatric practise, teaching psychiatric ethics and psychiatric research. Every psychiatrist and mental health professional will find this book informative and instructive.'' -Psychological Medicine, 32''In Two Minds is an excellent casebook of tough ethical problems in mental health... An excellent resource for those interested in psychatric ethics. It is the natural choice for a textbook for courses on this topic in Britain and it could be used for similar courses in the US and other countries if it were supplemented by other readings or information relevant to the country in question. Highly recommended.'' -Metapsychology OnlineIn Two Minds is a practical casebook of problem solving in psychiatric ethics. Written in a lively and accessible style, it builds on a series of detailed case histories to illustrate the central place of ethical reasoning as a key competency for clinical work and research in psychiatry. Topics include risk, dangerousness and confidentiality; judgements of responsibility; involuntary treatment and mental health legislation; consent to genetic screening; dual role issues in child and adolescent psychiatry; needs assessment; cross-cultural and gender issues; rational and irrational suicide; shared decision making in multi-agency teams, and the growing role of the user's voice in psychiatry. Key ethical concepts are carefully introduced and explained. The text is richly supported by detailed guides for further reading. There are separate chapters on teaching psychiatric ethics, including a sample seminar, and on writing a research ethics application. Each case history and discussion is followed by a critical commentary from a practitioner with relevant experience. Jim Birley adds a comparative international perspective on psychiatric ethics. Cartoons by Johnny Cowee provide punchy counterpoint! In Two Minds is the sister volume to the third edition of Sidney, Paul Chodoff and Steven Green's highly successful Psychiatric Ethics. In providing a bridge between theory and practice, it will be essential reading for everyone concerned with improving standards in mental health care.