Attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide among persons with multiple sclerosis

This study was conducted to estimate the level of interest in assisted suicide among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), the hypothetical conditions under which they would consider assisted suicide, and the factors associated with such interest. The sample of 511 members drawn from the Oregon and Michigan chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) completed a mail questionnaire indicating whether they had ever considered assisted suicide, under what conditions they would consider it, and the correlates of considering assisted suicide. Close to one third of persons with MS in this study had thought about assisted suicide as an option for themselves. One quarter to one half would consider assisted suicide in five hypothetical circumstances, including experiencing unbearable pain, being unable to do things that made them happy, causing financial burden to caregivers or family members, or experiencing extreme emotional distress. Religiosity, social support, depressive symptomatology, MS symptoms, NMSS chapter, years since diagnosis, and gender were associated with some or all of the responses to the hypothetical conditions. The clinical and policy implications of these findings are discussed.