Feeling Seen, Being Heard
Perspectives of Patients Suffering from Mental Illness on the Possibility of Physician-Assisted Death in the Netherlands
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 18929825 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rosalie Pronk (0000-0003-1450-9994, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, corresponding author), Dick L Willems (0000-0002-5587-2549, Amsterdam University Medical Centers), Suzanne Van De Vathorst (Amsterdam University Medical Centers) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 475-489 |
| Publication date | 2022-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Medicine and Psychiatry (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0165-005X • E-ISSN: 1573-076X |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11013-021-09726-5 |
| PMID | 34132955 |
| OpenAlex | W3170603601 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 10 |
Physician-assisted death (PAD) for patients suffering from a mental illness is allowed in the Netherlands under certain conditions but is a very controversial topic, mainly discussed by ethicists and physicians. The voice of the patient is rarely included in the debate, so we know little about what their views on the topic are. We aim to understand the views of patients with mental illness and wish to die with regard to the possibility of PAD in the Netherlands. The data for this qualitative study were collected through 21 in-depth interviews with Dutch patients who have a wish for PAD as a result of suffering from a mental illness. We identified four themes in relation to the meaning of PAD for the patients suffering from mental illness and wish to die. These themes are (1) Autonomy and self-determination, (2) ending the suffering, (3) recognition, and (4) a dignified end-of-life. The option of PAD for patients suffering from mental illnesses was considered of great importance to the patients who have a wish to die. We highlight the importance of ‘recognition’ for the situation of the patient, as this could lead to new perspective. We argue that psychiatrists need to reflect on providing this recognition in earlier phases of treatment, taking seriously and discussing a wish for PAD in treatment is beneficial to patients. It provides space for the patient to discuss their wishes and could cause them not wanting to die anymore
Autonomy · Feeling · Mental health · Mental illness · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Sociology · Wish · Ethics in medical practice · Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints · Law · Medicine · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology · Social Psychology
No (true) right to die
A repertoire and critical review of international resources relevant to medical assistance in dying where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition
Parity, Poverty, and Physician Aid in Dying
Walking Alongside
Wavering between life and death
Only One Way Out”-Partners' Experiences and Grief Related to the Death of Their Loved One by Suicide or Physician-Assisted Dying Due to a Mental Disorder
Between Life and Death
Searching for relief from suffering
| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2022 - 2025 (4) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |