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Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2006) 12: 1-4
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Editorial

Avoiding a spiral of precaution in mental healthcare

Jonathan Green

Jonathan Green is a reader in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Manchester Medical School and an honarary consultant to Manchester Children’s Hospitals (Academic Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lane Building, Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, Blackley, Manchester M9 7AA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)161 918 5024/5/6; e-mail: jonathan.green{at}manchester.ac.uk). He is a clinical academic who runs psychosocial treatment trials. He is not involved in psychopharmacological research.

Abstract

The precautionary principle has high face validity, but it can favour indeterminate future risks over potential current benefits. It can also have unintended consequences when applied to the design of clinical protocols and health policy. Contemporary pressures in mental healthcare may amplify the precautionary principle in practice. To mitigate against these disadvantages, we need trial designs that assess all risks (including the risk of no treatment) and also the possibility that potential risks may be successfully managed. Critical appraisal of clinical protocols and their impact are also necessary.




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Advan. Psychiatr. Treat., July 1, 2006; 12(4): 268 - 279.
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