Contemporary ethical dilemmas in psychotherapy: cosmetic psychopharmacology and managed care

Two contemporary ethical dilemmas facing psychotherapists have been noted and described: cosmetic psychopharmacology and the practice of psychotherapy in a managed care environment. Regarding cosmetic psychopharmacology: It was noted that whether a psychotherapist endorses the use of psychotropic agents for cosmetic purposes, such as self-transformation, seems to be a function of the severity of the client/patient symptoms as well as the psychotherapist's view of human nature and the human condition. However, recent research indicates that certain traits or reflections of the human condition, such as irritability, may actually be neurotransmitter deficiencies that are responsive not only to psychotropic agents but also to non-drug interventions. These findings add an additional dimension to discussions of the ethics of cosmetic psychopharmacology. Regarding psychotherapy in a managed care environment: Several ethical dilemmas, including confidentiality, were discussed. These dilemmas were outlined rather than analyzed in detail. Some of them will become major "thorns" of concern for the practice of psychotherapy. Others will be less consequential. Of critical concern is that limitations by managed care on the technique and optimal length of treatment of psychotherapy can conceivably lessen its efficacy for some patients and could possibly eliminate this powerful treatment procedure for others.