The editors make an interesting claim at the start of this book, that there is no such thing as ‘psychiatric ethics’; there are just the principles of ethics applied to psychiatry. I agree that ethics is simply ethics and can be applied to almost any human concern. But a book on ethics in business or sport is going to be quite different, albeit with some overlap, from a book on ethics in psychiatry. As the current book shows clearly, there are ethical concerns that are specific to psychiatry. Think of the relationship of a forensic psychiatrist to his or her patients; think of transference in psychoanalysis; think of gaining consent in someone with a mental disorder. It is not that these things have no relevance elsewhere, but psychiatry does throw up particular ethical issues.

It is for this reason that anyone having anything to do with mental health might and should be interested in this book. Its scope is vast. It starts by looking at ethical principles, such as confidentiality, but also includes a chapter on user involvement. Part II provides context in terms of frameworks and guidelines. A host of other issues is also discussed, from stigma and artificial intelligence to conflicts of interest. Part III is devoted to coercion, while Part IV moves on to different types of treatment. These include general ethical issues as well as a focus on psychopharmacotherapy, substance dependence, psychotherapy, non-invasive neuromodulation, neurosurgery, sexual and gender issues. Part V is to do with death and palliative care, including euthanasia and assisted suicide. Part VI covers research. Part VII provides interesting insights into the abuse of psychiatry for political means, as well as issues regarding neuroenhancement. The final part looks at clinical ethics support, psychiatric advance directives and teaching psychiatric ethics.

This is very much a European perspective, with a sprinkling of British authors. It is impressive to see the sophistication of the views expressed, with some really excellent chapters. On the other hand, here and there one sensed the slightly stolid style reflected English not being the author’s first language. The scholarship, however, is impressive, despite occasional lapses in proofreading. There are other books available, as the editors candidly note, which cover more ground. One thing that struck me afresh, therefore, was just how broad and deep this domain has become. Indeed, I think psychiatric ethics is an incontrovertible thing.