The psychiatric field in France is characterised by a noticeable variety of traditions, despite a context in which the neurosciences are more and more influential. The present study aims to explore the possible correlation between different types of psychiatry and ethical attitudes. In order to describe this correlation, we will first inquire about the frequency with which medical practitioners are confronted with ethical issues in their practices. Then, we will consider the specificity of these situations, and finally we will describe the meaning of ethics for each of the types of psychiatry described.