Citation

Ducatelle C, Naudt KH, Godfrin K, van den Eynde F, Van Den Abbeele D, Audenaert K, Vervaet M, Van Heeringen C. Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde 2005; 61(2): 83-96.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005)

DOI

10.2143/tvg.61.2.1002075

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 2002, a new Act that legalises euthanasia in Belgium came into effect, with important implications for psychiatrists. To our knowledge, Belgium is the first country worldwide where mental suffering stemming either from a somatic or a mental disorder is explicitly acknowledged in law as a valid base for euthanasia. The professional body of psychiatrists in Belgium has formulated no guidelines to address the particular situation of a request for euthanasia on grounds of mental suffering. We believe it is essential that such guidelines are developed, in keeping with the state of affairs in the Netherlands. Moreover, consensus documents and protocols are needed concerning which therapies should be applied in specific disorders before euthanasia or assistance with suicide may be considered.

Language: nl

Keywords

suicide; law; psychiatry; review; mental disease; euthanasia; psychiatrist; practice guideline; legal aspect; Belgium