Relationship of the psychiatrist and the pharmaceutical industry: critical collaboration

The Philippine Psychiatric Association has embarked on the daunting task of defining in operational terms the boundaries of the relationship between the psychiatrist and the pharmaceutical industry - not only in the legalistic terms but on the higher dimension of ethics. Relationships with industry are critical but necessary. It just needs redefining through. There have to be relationships with industry, but within a framework that respects the independence of the physician and does not unduly affect their judgements about patient care.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in the Philippines: a descriptive study

Objective: This study aims to describe the socio-demographic profile of the Filipino OCD patient consulting a private psychiatrist, the nature of the obsessions and compulsions experienced, the character and severity of the symptoms associated with the disorder, and other co-morbid conditions. Methodology: Forty seven patients with OCD were identified in selected private clinics in Metro Manila. Information on the nature, character and severity of the obsessions and compulsions were gathered in 45 patients through chart review. Results and Conclusion: The OCD patient described in this study was more often male, single who has attained college level of education. The most common obsessions were contamination obsessions (in the form of concern with dirt or germs) and sexual obsessions (in the form of forbidden sexual thoughts, images or impulse). The most common compulsions were the cleaning washing compulsions in the form of excessive or ritualized handwashing. The severity and impact of obsessions were moderate to severe, so with compulsions although to a lesser degree. Over half of all the patients (59.6 percent) had at least one other illness aside from OCD. The most common co-morbid disorders were major depression and dysthymia.

An overview of boundary transgressions in the doctor-patient relationship

This paper propounds two main theses. First, it asserts that the boundaries of the doctor-patient relationship are not clearly delineated, but they are clarified by the clarified contexts in which they are formed. Second, there is a need to formulate a set of guidelines that are flexible enough to accommodate ambiguous situations and yet definitive enough to define the limits of the interaction between the doctor and the patient. In order to advance the aforementioned theses, this paper will clarify what boundary transgressions are, how they come about, and how they could avoided.