European Psychiatric Association policy paper on ethical aspects in communication with patients and their families

Background. Establishing a valid communication is not only a basic clinical need to be met but also a relevant ethical commitment. Methods. On the basis of the relevant literature, ethical issues arising from specific, important situations in clinical practice were identified. Results. The main ethical problems regarding communication about the disorder, both in general and in relation to prodromal stages, were described and discussed together with those regarding communication about voluntary and involuntary treatments, “dual roles” enacted in clinical practice, genetic counseling, and end-of-life conditions; on the basis of what emerged, ethically driven indications and suggestions were provided. Conclusions. Several situations put the psychiatrist in front of relevant dilemmas and doubts which are no easy to face with; an ethically driven approach based upon the principle of the best interest of patients may support clinicians in their decisions.