RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Treatment-resistant depression and physician-assisted death
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 885
OP 886
DO 10.1136/medethics-2015-103060
VO 41
IS 11
A1 Franklin G MIller
YR 2015
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/41/11/885.abstract
AB In a recent article, Udo Schuklenk and Suzanne van de Vathorst argued in favour of a legal option of physician-assisted death for patients with ‘treatment-resistant’ depression. In this commentary, I contend that their argument neglects the important consideration of the professional integrity of physicians. In light of this consideration, coupled with uncertainty about whether additional interventions with the patient can improve quality of life and restore the will to live, it is not appropriate to include patients with ‘treatment-resistant’ depression within a legal option of physician-assisted death.