Final answer:
The principle of patient confidentiality, governed by HIPAA, prevents a psychiatrist from disclosing patient information to anyone, including the spouse, without the patient's consent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle that governs the psychiatrist's response in this scenario is patient confidentiality. In the field of medicine and psychiatry, a fundamental ethical and legal tenet is the protection of patient privacy. Specifically, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes strict guidelines that prohibit the sharing of any patient health information without explicit consent from the patient. Therefore, unless the patient has given permission for their health information to be shared with their spouse, the psychiatrist must refrain from disclosing any details about the patient's condition or treatment. In such situations, the psychiatrist could acknowledge the wife's concern but should explain that they are not at liberty to discuss the patient's personal health details, suggesting that the wife talk directly with the patient.