Citation

Hartmann J, Förstl H, Kurz A. Zeitschrift fur Medizinische Ethik 2009; 55(4): 343-350.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009)

DOI

10.14623/zfme.2009.4.343-350

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In an ageing society where increasing life expectancy and medical progress result in a buildup of chronic diseases and disabilities in the final years of life the option of suicide is gaining relevance and becoming an issue of public debate. According to epidemiological projections, the number of elderly persons diagnosed with incipient dementia, when suicide risk is particularly high, will significantly increase within the next few decades. We therefore expect that suicide risk in such individuals will no longer remain a rare occurrence in psychiatric or neurological practice. Drawing on a case report we discuss the resulting pertinent medical and ethical decisions. We also try to provide recommendations on how to cope effectively with this particular form of suicidal crisis. © Zeitschrift für medizinische Ethik.All rights reserved.

Language: de

Keywords

Suicide; dementia; autonomy; rationality