Ethelwyn Eleonore Rebelo
The ethical view that patients are entitled to honesty with regard to their diagnosis and treatment is discussed in this paper. Caution is advised with regard to how the truth is to be conveyed. Medical Practitioners need to be sensitive to context; the patient’s emotional needs; and the possible consequences of their grief and defence mechanisms. The effect of stereotypes in relation to certain psychiatric illnesses and the importance of facilitating any possibility of a placebo effect through allowing a space for hope are also considered.