Iatrogenesis - meaning of "first do no harm" and the role of curiosity in psychiatric encounters

The paper will offer a review of the concept of iatrogenesis in different medical fields, with further discussion of its relevance for psychiatry and in particular, in suicide prevention approaches. This will be... [ view full abstract ]

The paper will offer a review of the concept of iatrogenesis in different medical fields, with further discussion of its relevance for psychiatry and in particular, in suicide prevention approaches. This will be contextualized in relation to issues of involuntary treatment, shifting paradigms in diagnosis and treatments, research biases and training issues.

Parallel discussions of stigma, societal desirability, conditioned tolerance, hopelessness and control  - touching on legal considerations and the development of justifications for risk avoidance/ harm reduction and subtle excuses for limits to accountability in professional approaches will complete the presentation. The author will offer reflections on the necessity of meaningful and all inclusive narratives in the development of social/ political discourses and resource allocation and for true self knowledge and promotion of learning. The role of curiosity in the practice of psychiatry/ psychotherapy and the ability to engage with playfulness and to generate hope seem to be as relevant as an increased sense of personal accountability in a system of care guided primarily by economic considerations. 

History has shown that medicine (and science in general) can succumb to political bias or financial incentives and divert from its declared goal of "first do no harm". The assessment of iatrogenesis' in medical research seems imperative and yet ...it is not often included in the interpretation of results. This seems even more relevant for the practice of psychiatry, now more than ever before maybe.   

The author will discuss her involvement with a grounded theory PhD research project, currently in the beginning stages.