American Psychiatric Foundation Issues Statement of Ethical Principles

The American Psychiatric Foundation has released a statement of ethical principles for support of the foundation.

The statement lists nine ethical principles approved by the foundation's Board of Directors in support of its mission of advancing public understanding that mental illnesses are real and treatable. The intent of the principles is to ensure the continued integrity of the foundation's programs by outlining the parameters under which external support will be accepted for foundation-sponsored education and research activities.

Included are principles prohibiting the foundation's programs from serving as vehicles for the promotion or use of any particular therapy or treatment. Foundation supporters may review a project's goals, objectives, and methods to determine whether they desire to provide support, but they do not administer or direct the project in any manner.

“These principles reflect what the American Psychiatric Foundation stands for,” said Altha J. Stewart, M.D., president of the foundation.“ We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our professional activities. With the strategic realignment of the foundation's mission, our Board of Directors recognized the importance of creating a statement of ethical principles that supports that mission.”

The principles are posted online on the foundation's Web site at<www.psychfoundation.org>.▪