Physicians need to take an active role in improving the genetic literacy of the general population and also push for public health policies that make new genetic tools available to everyone.

Personal exemptions from mandatory vaccination requirements ensure peaceful coexistence between personal autonomy and social responsibility.

When a public health risk exists, a physician's obligations to warn those in potential danger overrides rules of patient confidentiality.

The influenza vaccine is recommended for many population groups and can help prevent serious complications.

Refusals of psychotropic medication by detained criminal defendants raise conflicting dual loyalties for psychiatrists between the duty to treat a patient and the duty to protect society from that patient.

Defense of the position that patient-psychiatrist confidentiality should be absolute, otherwise patient trust is eroded is serious ways that affect the ability of all physicians to help their patients.

Although there is a strong tendency to medicate children and adolescents for all types of behavioral problems, physicians must be prudent in also using nonpharmaceutical treatments.

The journal editor introduces a theme issue that examines the ethical and professional issues facing the specialty of psychiatry.

There are many misconceptions about psychiatry as a science that contribute to the continued social stigmatization of mental illnesses.

Psychiatrists face difficulties when deciding on treatment plans for patients who are not interested in receiving help or are lacking the capacity to make responsible decisions.