[Endangerment and dangerousness of psychiatry]

Psychiatry is more influenced by the "Zeitgeist" than other medical disciplines. One important reason is the lack of biological data despite large efforts. In this situation ideological factors may become more relevant than they deserve. Temptations of a "pure" doctrine are dangerous. New developments (methadone substitution, active euthanasia) add to the possible dangerousness of psychiatry. Psychiatrists will have to be careful to avoid this dangerousness and the endangering of their discipline.