Behavioral Science & Ethics USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 28-year-old woman with generalized anxiety disorder presents to her psychiatrist reporting chronic worry, insomnia, and a heart rate of 92 bpm. The psychiatrist recommends sertraline 50 mg daily as first-line therapy. Before prescribing, the psychiatrist provides written materials describing the medication's benefits, risks (including sexual dysfunction and serotonin syndrome), and alternative treatment options. The psychiatrist then discusses these materials with the patient, assesses her understanding through questioning, and documents that she comprehends the information and voluntarily agrees to treatment. The patient denies cognitive impairment or coercion. Which of the following ethical principles is primarily demonstrated by the psychiatrist's approach?
Answer choices
- APaternalism—the physician makes treatment decisions in the patient's best interest without necessarily prioritizing patient input
- BNon-maleficence—the physician avoids causing harm by prescribing the safest medication available
- CBeneficence—the physician recommends treatment that will benefit the patient's condition
- DAutonomy—the physician respects the patient's right to make informed decisions about her own careCorrect answer
- EJustice—the physician provides equitable access to psychiatric medications for all patients
- FVeracity—the physician is truthful in describing the medication's clinical efficacy
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