Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide for Psychiatric Disorders Clinical and Ethical Perspectives

Euthanasia and/or assisted suicide for psychiatric disorders (psychiatric EAS) has been legalized in some European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The controversial character of psychiatric EAS requires an in-depth analysis of some important clinical and ethical issues. These insights will contribute to the scientific and societal debate, both in jurisdictions allowing the practice as well as in those considering its legalization. The proposed project aims at addressing four main research questions. First, it will explore how psychiatric EAS requests from patients with personality disorders -the second most prevalent disorder after depression- are being evaluated by clinicians and what factors contribute to their decision-making. These disorders can be complex and requests from these patients could lead to specific challenges. Second, we will systematically review and evaluate the normative reasons pro and contra psychiatric EAS that have been provided in the literature. Third, we will provide a conceptual clarification of three subdomains of importance for the debate and for policy making, namely: an analysis of the prominent non-discrimination argument, a clarification of what irremediability means in the context of psychiatric EAS, and an examination of the tension between psychiatric EAS and suicide prevention.