Patient Requests for Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Terminal Illness: the Role of the Psychiatrist

The authors review current understandings of the psychiatric aspects of requests by terminally ill patients for assisted suicide & euthanasia. An approach to the common problems of physical, psychological, social & spiritual suffering encountered in managing dying patients is described. The functions of the psychiatrist in addressing these problems are elaborated. Numerous case examples are provided. (75 refs.)