Economical Framework of Psychiatric Care

Abstract

In this chapter, the principles of an ethical framework for the mentally ill and central ethical and professional practices in psychiatric care will be discussed. The economical framework, the principle of equity as well as epidemiological, medical and societal consequences of increased welfare and deceleration of mortality will be described. The role of Evidence Based Medicine and policies concerning cost effectiveness of mental health care will be alluded in terms of the consequences for psychiatric patients and mental health care. Moral implications of managed care and of the influence of pharmaceutical companies and governmental policies will be described. Ethical implications of new developments in mental health care such as E-mental health and collaborative care, new treatment forms in which the autonomy of the patient is enhanced, will be indicated. Finally, possible solutions on micro-, meso- and macrolevel will be suggested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)