ABSTRACT
A primary difference between the neuropsychological assessment and treatment of individuals with psychiatric disorders and individuals with other neurological disorders is the perception of their competence (Gur, Moberg, & Wolpe, 2002). For example, the patient with neoplastic disease is considered to have the cognitive capacity to make medical decisions independently, whereas patients with psychiatric disorders tend to be considered unable to make similar decisions. Such stigma continues to underlie the way in which the public and some clinicians view those with psychiatric disorders. As a result, such preconceptions may interfere with appropriate neuropsychological assessment of decision-making capacity, with implications for the patient’s ability to provide informed consent. The authors of this chapter take the reader into the world of psychiatric neuropsychology to examine the ethical challenges that are commonly encountered in such settings. The issues presented will likely be of value not only to those working in such settings but also to all neuropsychologists struggling to integrate similar ethical principles with challenging professional responsibilities.
