Psychiatrist-patient sexual relationships: the ethical dilemmas

Sexual relationships between psychiatrists and their patients raise a number of important ethical issues. The power inequality, transference and dependence which often occur in a therapeutic relationship render patients vulnerable to exploitation. Psychiatrists informed by a patient of sexual contact with a previous psychiatrist face a complex ethical dilemma. Attempts at regulation by professional organisations, or by the legal system, may create conflicts between the rights of the persons involved. The role of the psychiatric profession in confronting the problem of sexual exploitation of patients is discussed.