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Attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide among persons with multiple sclerosis
C S Berkman1, P F Cavallo, W C Chesnut
1Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York, New York 10023, USA. berkman@mary.fordham.edu
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|April 30, 2005
Summary
Nearly one-third of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have considered assisted suicide. Factors like pain, distress, and caregiver burden influence this consideration, highlighting the need for comprehensive support.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease.
- Understanding end-of-life care preferences in MS is crucial for patient support.
- Interest in assisted suicide among individuals with chronic conditions warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of interest in assisted suicide among people with MS.
- To identify specific conditions under which individuals with MS would consider assisted suicide.
- To explore factors associated with interest in assisted suicide in this population.
Main Methods:
- A mail questionnaire was administered to 511 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in Oregon and Michigan.
- Participants reported on their consideration of assisted suicide and hypothetical circumstances.
- Statistical analysis examined correlates of assisted suicide interest.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of participants with MS had considered assisted suicide.
- Between 25% and 50% would consider it under conditions such as unbearable pain, loss of happiness, financial burden, or extreme emotional distress.
- Religiosity, social support, depression, MS symptoms, NMSS chapter, duration of illness, and gender were associated with assisted suicide considerations.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of individuals with MS contemplate assisted suicide.
- Specific quality-of-life factors and psychosocial elements are linked to this consideration.
- Findings have implications for clinical care and policy development regarding end-of-life options for MS patients.