Reporting practices of psychiatrists who knew of sexual misconduct by colleagues.

Abstract

Of 1423 psychiatrists responding to a national survey, 65% reported treating patients who had been sexually involved with previous therapists. Respondents saw these prior involvements as harmful in 87% of cases but reported the sexual abuse in only 8% of cases. The majority, however, favored mandatory reporting of such incidents. The problem of underreporting and the need for effective management of sexual abuse cases are discussed.