GROUP 3

UNDERSTANDTHE ETHICAL AND LEGAL ASPECT OF

USE AND ABUSE OF MEDICATION.
Introduction
• Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the
effects of drugs on behavior, emotions, and mental
processes. Psychopharmacology has led to
significant advances in the treatment of psychiatric
disorders. However, the use of
psychopharmacological drugs raises ethical and
legal issues.
ETHICS
Is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral
principles and values that governs and individual's
behavior and decision-making.
Informed Consent:
• Informed consent is a crucial ethical issue in
psychopharmacology. Before administering a drug,
the patient must be informed about the potential
benefits and risks of the drug, the alternatives to
the drug, and the possible side effects. The patient
must also be informed about their right to refuse
the drug and the consequences of refusing the
drug.
Placebo Effect:
• The placebo effect is a phenomenon in which a
patient experiences a therapeutic effect from a
substance that has no known therapeutic
properties. The use of placebos raises ethical
concerns because it involves deception and violates
the principle of informed consent.
Enhancement:
• Psychopharmacological drugs can be used to
enhance cognitive or physical performance. The use
of enhancement drugs raises ethical concerns
because it may give some people an unfair
advantage over others and may lead to a society
that values productivity over human well-being.
Psychiatric Diagnosis:
• Psychopharmacology is often used to treat
psychiatric disorders. However, the validity and
reliability of psychiatric diagnosis are controversial.
The use of psychopharmacological drugs to treat
psychiatric disorders may be inappropriate if the
diagnosis is incorrect or if the symptoms are being
treated rather than the underlying cause.
Legals
Actions or behaviors that is permitted by law or
related to law
Drug Approval
• Before a drug can be marketed, it must be
approved by regulatory agencies such as the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
The drug approval process involves rigorous testing
to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug. The
use of unapproved drugs raises legal issues because
it violates the law and can be dangerous.
Off-Label Use
• Off-label use is the use of a drug for a purpose that
is not approved by regulatory agencies. Off-label
use raises legal issues because it may be unsafe and
may expose the prescriber to legal liability.
Prescribing Practices:
• Psychopharmacological drugs are often prescribed
by physicians. Prescribing practices raise legal
issues because physicians can be held liable for
prescribing drugs that are inappropriate or that
cause harm.
Conclusion
• Psychopharmacology has revolutionized the
treatment of psychiatric disorders. However, the
use of psychopharmacological drugs raises ethical
and legal issues. It is important to consider these
issues carefully to ensure that patients receive safe
and effective treatment.