Bringing mental health ethics into the mainstream

Abstract

The history of mental health care is scattered with the remnants of many experiences by consumers and family members that have proven to be dissatisfying and ethically questionable. Whether this has come about as a result of the desire to understand human psychology, to advance the scientific study of the human brain, to undertake experiments on human subjects or to diminish the pain and suffering of the mentally ill is not important. As we reflect back it is clear that some of these experiences were bold but naïve science, some were societal initiatives in response to socioeconomic woes and some were enlightened attempts to save the poor, the disowned, the disenfranchised, the impoverished and the socially disadvantaged. What is crucial, however, is whether we take advantage of the shortcomings of the past to ensure that mental health care, treatment, education and research of the present and future embrace approaches that are steeped in sound ethical principles and values