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[Physician-assisted death in psychiatry]
S M P van Veen1,2, G A M Widdershoven3
1UMC Utrecht, afd. Psychiatrie, Utrecht.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|August 5, 2020
Summary
Physician-assisted death (PAD) is increasingly used for psychiatric disorders in the Netherlands. Research indicates these patients have complex, long-standing conditions, sparking ongoing ethical debate.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Psychiatry
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Physician-assisted death (PAD) is increasingly utilized for patients with psychiatric disorders.
- In the Netherlands, psychiatric suffering has been a legal basis for PAD for over 25 years, requiring independent assessment.
- Existing empirical research on this patient group is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the characteristics of patients with psychiatric disorders receiving PAD.
- To explore the ethical considerations surrounding PAD for individuals with mental health conditions.
- To identify needs for further empirical research and ethical deliberation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing empirical research on PAD for psychiatric disorders.
- Analysis of ethical arguments for and against PAD in this population.
- Discussion of challenges in assessing competence and irremediability of suffering.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving PAD for psychiatric suffering often present with long-standing and complex conditions.
- Depression and personality disorders are common among these patients.
- Ethical debates persist regarding competence and the irremediability of psychiatric suffering.
Conclusions:
- Excluding all patients with mental disorders from PAD may be considered unjust by some.
- Decisions regarding competence and irremediability pose significant ethical challenges.
- Further empirical research and ethical consideration are crucial for informed practice.
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