Ethics are important in psychiatry since psychiatrydeals mainly with human conduct and behaviour. Ethics are principles, notlaws but standards of conduct, which define the essentials of honourablebehaviour for the physician. Indian Psychiatric Society approved ethical guideline in 1989Cuttack conference.

Ethical issues depend on the following theories –

Utilitarian Theory– A fundamental obligation in making decision and is to try to producethe greatest possible happiness for the greatest benefit.

Parentalism-A person performing actions for another benefit without the person's consent.

Autonomy Theory –It is based on writing of Imanuel Kant. Relationship between a physician and anadult patient is conceived as relationship between two responsible persons.

Some common causes of malpractice in psychiatry seen in India arei) Negligence in diagnosis ii) Overlooking basic human rights iii) Consent nottaken from patient iv) Risk of suicide v) Experimentation by doctor vi)Negligence in physical methods of treatment vii) Seaxual relation with clientand Exploitation.

Now a days following forces are to be considered as new ethical challenges a)Rapidly increasing cost of mental health care b) Influence of new technologies likeMRI, CT SCAN Brain c) Societal reengineering for better mental health d)Increasing pressure by patient party e) Current market forces are demandinghigh quality health care.

Apracticing psychiatrist has to take more responsibility in management of mentaldisorders. One has to take it as normal inevitable professionalhazards.