[Dignity and access to care in psychiatry]

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Medicine
• Psychiatric Ethics
• Social Psychiatry

Background:

• The concept of dignity is often conflated with autonomous freedom (autonorma).
• Psychiatric practice frequently overlooks the objective dimension of dignity, rooted in shared humanity.
• This oversight impacts the prioritization of universal human values over individual preferences, particularly concerning suffering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate dignity from autonomous freedom in the context of psychiatry.
• To highlight the objective, humanity-based dimension of dignity.
• To underscore the importance of this universal aspect in psychiatric care and mental health.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of dignity and autonomy.
• Ethical examination of psychiatric principles.
• Exploration of the universal versus singular in clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Dignity possesses an objective dimension independent of autonomous freedom.
• Belonging to humanity forms the basis of this objective dignity.
• Recognizing this universal dimension is essential when addressing human suffering in psychiatry.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatry's nobility lies in balancing universality (shared humanity) with singularity (individual patient care).
• Embracing the objective dimension of dignity is key to fulfilling psychiatry's vocation.
• This approach enhances the promotion of mental health by valuing the human condition and its inherent suffering.