[Underexposed consequences of assisted death on psychiatric grounds for mental health care]

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) on psychiatric grounds is a subject of increasing relevance to Dutch mental health care. In addition to different advantages, there are disadvantages.

To highlight some consequences of MAID on psychiatric grounds and to offer solutions to mitigate these.

Based on an experience story, we highlight some relevant consequences.

Various relevant themes emerge. Firstly, patients can experience pressure to choose MAID. Secondly, psychiatric disorders and suicidality in particular are dynamic and difficult to predict, which conflicts with the static nature of the MAID law. Thirdly, the possibility of MAID is an additional argument to keep the quality of mental health care sufficient, even with increasing scarcity. Finally, we have to stop talking about ‘exhausted treatment options’.

By recognising and minimising the disadvantages of MAID on psychiatric grounds, we create space for a practice where safety and accessibility are in balance.