TABLE 1.

Psychiatrists’ program, cause of loss—administrative actions, claims, and lawsuits, 1986–2018^a

Primary allegationb	All states (%)
Suicide/attempted suicide	27
Incorrect treatmentc	23
Breach of confidentiality	15
Other	10
Medication issues	8
Incorrect diagnosis	5
Unnecessary commitment	3
Improper supervisiond	3
Boundary violation	3
Abandonment	1
Duty to warn/protect	1
Forensic	<1
Lack of informed consent	<1

^aCopyright 2019 Professional Risk Management Services, Inc. (PRMS). Used with permission.

^bMain allegation by plaintiffs’ attorneys of what the psychiatrist did wrong.

^cThis category represents a high percentage of cases, because plaintiffs’ attorneys often use a broad, general allegation initially; includes, among other cases, suicide and improper psychopharmacology.

^dRefers to supervision of patients as well as of other providers.