In an article for Psychiatric News, Norman A. Clemens, clinical professor emeritus of psychiatry, discussed the conflict that arises when psychiatrists and psychologists disagree with their patients politically, socially or morally.
The piece, titled “Psychotherapy in fractious times,” included an anecdote of one of Clemens’ patients who reacted strongly and adversely to the election of President Barack Obama in 2008. Clemens suggested that such strong philosophical beliefs may impact the care given to patients, both when the medical professional agrees and when they don’t.