Citation

Van Loon RA. Health Soc. Work 1999; 24(4): 260-268.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/hsw/24.4.260

PMID

10605631

Abstract

"Desire-to-die" statements made by people with terminal illness may be expressions of depression, suicidal intent, or coping. Careful evaluation can help the social worker understand the meaning of a particular patient's statement. The framework presented in this article suggests that all patients expressing a wish for death be assessed for both depression and suicide risk. This assessment can identify those patients who are depressed or suicidal, as well as those using these statements as a way of coping or as an indication of a rational choice for suicide. Differentiating among patients' meanings in this way leads to appropriate interventions.

Language: en

Keywords

Attitude to Death; Depression; Humans; Social Work, Psychiatric; Suicide; Terminally Ill