In ethical dilemmas in mental health, which principle is most commonly weighed alongside patient autonomy and beneficence?

• A. Veracity
• B. Beneficence
• C. Justice
• D. Fidelity

Answer: (B)

Balancing decisions in mental health often centers on fairness and how benefits and burdens are distributed, which is captured by the principle of justice. Autonomy respects a patient’s right to make their own choices, and beneficence aims to act in the patient’s best interest; justice adds the crucial consideration of fairness across individuals and groups. In practice this means asking who gets access to limited resources (like beds, treatment programs, or specialists), ensuring care isn’t biased by factors such as socioeconomic status or diagnosis, and choosing options that are the least restrictive while still beneficial. Veracity and fidelity matter as well, but justice is the principle most commonly weighed alongside autonomy and beneficence because it directly addresses fairness and societal impact in mental health care.