Citation

Tholen AJ. Tijdschr. Psychiatr. 2000; 42(10): 767-772.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Uitgeverij de Tijdstroom)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Chabot thinks that psychiatrists are often in a dilemma when their patient requests assisted suicide, because the therapeutic alliance can be undermined by this question. It is argued here however, that the therapeutic alliance does not need to be, and in practice is not undermined if the reasons for eventually refusing the request and the circumstances that may lead to compulsory admission are explained. In practice, the relationship seems to be less disturbed by these requests than Chabot implies. A dilemma can arise when the psychiatrist fails to make clear to himself his own position. Giving information about suicide methods or giving moral support cannot be an alternative for psychiatrists when formal assisted suicide in line with the requirements for careful practice cannot be offered as well. Otherwise, alternatives for assisted suicide undermine careful medical practice.

Language: en

Keywords

article; Compulsory admission; doctor patient relation; Guidelines; human; medical decision making; medical practice; Physician assisted suicide; physician attitude; psychiatrist; suicide; Therapeutic alliance