Depression and the right to die

Journal/Book: Gen Hosp Psychiat. 1999; 21: 655 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10010, USA. Elsevier Science Inc. 112-115.

Abstract: There is a complex relationship between depression and the capacity to forgo life-sustaining treatment. On the one hand, the courts have recognized a constitutionally protected right to die for competent persons; on the other hand, psychiatrists have tended toward the presumption of incompetence on the part of anyone who refuses lifesaving treatment. This traditional psychiatric viewpoint stems from experience with many patients whose wish to die disappears when their depression is successfully treated.

Note: Editorial Leeman CP, 471 W 22nd St, New York,NY 10011 USA

Keyword(s): LIFE-SUSTAINING THERAPY; PREFERENCES; CONSENT

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