The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Oct 2012
ReviewAssisted dying in liberalised jurisdictions and the role of psychiatry: a clinician's view.
Assisted dying is a contentious and topical issue. Mental disorder is a relevant influence on requests of hastened death. The psychiatry of dying is not a prominent component in the assessment of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in jurisdictions with liberalised assisted dying laws. The literature on the assessment processes, with particular reference to mental status, involved in euthanasia requests is considered. ⋯ There remain significant concerns about the accuracy of psychiatric assessment in the terminally ill. Mental processes are more relevant influences on a hastened wish to die than are the physical symptoms of terminal malignant disease. Psychiatric review of persons requesting euthanasia is relevant. It is not obligatory or emphasised in those legislations allowing assisted dying. Psychiatry needs to play a greater role in the assessment processes of euthanasia and PAS.
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Oct 2012
Letter Case ReportsVarenicline induced psychosis in schizophrenia.