Psychoanalysis Ethical Standards and Practice 3

Question 1

A psychoanalyst is invited to testify as an expert witness about a current patient in a custody dispute. What is the primary ethical concern?

Accepted Answer

The compromise of therapeutic confidentiality and the analytic relationship

Answer

The disruption to the analyst's schedule

Answer

The lack of forensic training in most analysts

Answer

The potential for the analyst to be paid for testimony

Question 2

In the context of psychoanalytic ethics, 'abstinence' most accurately refers to the analyst's obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid satisfying the patient's transference wishes outside the analytic work

Answer

Refrain from sexual contact with patients

Answer

Abstain from self-disclosure in all circumstances

Answer

Avoid discussing the analyst's personal theoretical orientation

Question 3

Which of the following represents an appropriate management of a patient who cannot afford the analyst's standard fee?

Accepted Answer

Offer a reduced sliding-scale fee after clinical and ethical consideration

Answer

Terminate treatment immediately and refer to a community mental health center

Answer

Continue treatment for free indefinitely to demonstrate beneficence

Answer

Require the patient to pay the full fee and seek reimbursement through insurance

Question 4

An analyst encounters a former patient at a social gathering. The most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Follow the former patient's lead regarding acknowledgment and privacy

Answer

Introduce the person to others using their professional relationship

Answer

Greet the person warmly and engage in extended personal conversation

Answer

Avoid the situation by leaving the gathering immediately

Question 5

A psychoanalyst learns through a referral network that a colleague has had sexual contact with a former patient. The analyst's ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the concern to the appropriate licensing board or ethics committee

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and take no action to avoid gossip

Answer

Confront the colleague directly and demand they self-report

Answer

Inform the harmed patient that they have grounds for a lawsuit

Question 6

When treating adolescent patients, which complicates confidentiality most significantly?

Accepted Answer

Parents or guardians may have legal rights to treatment information

Answer

Adolescents are generally more talkative than adult patients

Answer

Adolescents tend to form stronger transferences more quickly

Answer

Insurance companies require more detailed documentation for minors

Question 7

According to the ethics of psychoanalytic practice, self-disclosure by the analyst is:

Accepted Answer

Used judiciously when it serves the patient's therapeutic goals

Answer

Always prohibited as it violates the principle of anonymity

Answer

Freely encouraged to build therapeutic alliance

Answer

Required when the patient directly asks a personal question