Psychiatry and physician-assisted suicide

Author(s): Sullivan, M. D.

Journal/Book: Psychiat Clin N Amer. 1996; 19: Independence Square West, Curtis Center, Ste 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399. W B Saunders Co. 413.

Abstract: The psychiatric literature on physician-assisted suicide is scant and almost universally opposed to legalization. This opposition stems from the traditional perspective of suicide as a symptom of mental illness and the tendency of psychiatrists to extend their view of suicide in the medically well to the terminally ill. This article examines the basis for and validity of this opposition and makes recommendations about the role of the psychiatrist in physician-assisted suicide.

Note: Article TS Zaubler, Univ Washington, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195 USA

Keyword(s): TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS; CANCER-PATIENTS; MEDICALLY ILL; DEPRESSION; EUTHANASIA; DEATH; LIFE; ATTITUDES; THERAPY; CRITERIA

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