Major Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Treatment: Focus on Institutionalized Mental Patients.

Proponents of behavior therapies advocate expanded use of this approach based on its pragmatics and clinical successes. Critics, however, point not only to abuse in implementation, but charge that the behavioral approach is inherently unethical, especially when used with institutionalized mental patients. This article will review these arguments as well as provide an updated exploration of relevant court decisions impacting behavioral treatment in mental institutions. Suggested courses of action are then provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]