The request to die: role for a psychodynamic perspective on physician-assisted suicide
Article Abstract:
Psychiatric evaluation can provide valuable insight about the motivation behind a patient's request to die. Some patients who ask for assistance in dying may be entirely rational in their choice, but the ethical physician must consider the hidden drives that may have produced the request. Desire to die is closely associated with pain, poor social support, and depression. A patient may be angry, feel out of control, or want to kill the sick self. A psychiatrist can investigate these hidden motivations, evaluate the adequacy of pain control, and guide other physicians caring for the patient.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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The journey back: a physician retrains
Article Abstract:
A physician discusses his experience re-entering the world of clinical medicine. He practiced as a pediatrician for a while after getting his degree but then left for Washington, DC, to work at the National Health Service Corps. About 20 years later, he decided to re-enter pediatrics. He was offered an intensive 3-month training program at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. He discovered that many aspects of pediatrics had changed but others remained the same. His successful re-training proves that any physician can re-enter clinical medicine.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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