iatrogenic
Pronunciation: eye-AT-roh-jen-ik
Referring to symptoms, conditions, or harm caused inadvertently by medical treatment or intervention.
Full Definition
Iatrogenic effects in psychiatry refer to adverse outcomes that result from psychiatric treatment itself rather than from the underlying mental health condition. These can include medication side effects, dependence on therapeutic relationships, or psychological harm from inappropriate interventions. Common examples include tardive dyskinesia from antipsychotic medications, withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines, or trauma re-activation from poorly conducted exposure therapy. Recognition of iatrogenic risks is crucial for informed consent and ethical treatment planning in psychiatric practice.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with idiopathic (unknown cause) - iatrogenic specifically implies causation by medical treatment.
In Context
- "The patient's movement disorder appeared to be iatrogenic, related to long-term antipsychotic use rather than the underlying psychiatric condition." — Consultation report
- "Careful monitoring is essential to distinguish between symptom relapse and iatrogenic effects when adjusting psychiatric medications." — Treatment planning note