Suicidal behaviour is pathological
Implications for psychiatric euthanasia
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21514636 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dominic Sisti (0000-0002-2282-9253, Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, corresponding author), J John Mann (0000-0002-0265-6586, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA), Maria A Oquendo (0000-0002-7901-5082, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 446-449 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Medical Ethics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0306-6800 • E-ISSN: 1473-4257 |
| Publisher | BMJ (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1136/jme-2023-109522 |
| PMID | 39251331 |
| OpenAlex | W4402354243 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 30 |
Some have challenged the validity of labelling suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB) as pathological. In this paper, we argue that STB is indeed pathological, thereby, situating suicide prevention within the realm of medicine, complicating calls for the legalisation of medical assistance in dying for individuals whose sole condition is psychiatric (psychiatric medical assistance in dying (MAID)). Evidence shows STB predicts the risk of suicide; moreover, several mental illnesses are associated with STB, and 70%–90% of suicide deaths are linked to psychiatric illness. Treating psychiatric illnesses can prevent suicide. We contend that this clinical evidence not only warrants the classification of STB as pathological but also necessitates its treatment and prevention. This perspective poses a challenge to legislation that would legalise psychiatric MAID
Injury prevention · Legislation · Medical emergency · Mental health · Mental illness · Pathological · Pathology · Poison control · Psychiatry · Realm · Suicide prevention · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Law · Medicine · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
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Improving Suicide Prevention Through Evidence-Based Strategies
The Impact of Suicide on the Family
Suicide, Suicide Attempts, and Suicidal Ideation
Psychiatric Euthanasia and the Ontology of Mental Disorder
Suicide
Suicide in the absence of mental disorder? A review of psychological autopsy studies across countries
The concept of mental disorder
Self-immolation, suicide and self-harm in Buddhist and Western traditions
| Highly cited | No |
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