Abstract
Suicide in the Medically and Terminally ill: Psychological and Ethical Considerations
Kleespies P M~~Hughes D H~~Gallacher F P
This article discusses the association between medical illness & suicide. Specific illnesses associated with an increased risk of suicide are reviewed. The terminally ill patient’s right to refuse life-sustaining treatments or to have death hastened is examined. Psychologists’ apparent acceptance of the concept of rational suicide, as well as assisted suicide under certain conditions, is also discussed. (69 refs)