Year: 1994 Source: American Journal of Psychiatry, v.151, no.7, (July 1994), p.971-978 SIEC No: 19950452

The possibility that psychiatrists inappropriately extend their views on suicide by the medically well to refusal of lifesaving treatment by the seriously medically ill is explored. Legal & bioethics literature on competence to refuse treatment & the possible impact of depression on this refusal is reviewed. It is concluded that after optimal medical & psychiatric treatment & determining that the patient is competent to make medical decisions, it may be appropriate to honour their desire to die.