Treatment-resistant depression and physician-assisted death. uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • In a recent article, Udo Schuklenk and Suzanne van de Vathorst argued in favour of a legal option of physician-assisted death for patients with 'treatment-resistant' depression. In this commentary, I contend that their argument neglects the important consideration of the professional integrity of physicians. In light of this consideration, coupled with uncertainty about whether additional interventions with the patient can improve quality of life and restore the will to live, it is not appropriate to include patients with 'treatment-resistant' depression within a legal option of physician-assisted death.

publication date

  • September 23, 2015

Research

keywords

  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant
  • Euthanasia
  • Mental Competency
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Psychiatry

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84949322384

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1136/medethics-2015-103060

PubMed ID

  • 26401050

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 41

issue

  • 11