Preferences for voluntary euthanasia during major depression and following improvement in an elderly population.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of improvement or recovery from major depression on the preferences for voluntary euthanasia (VE) of elderly patients. Twenty five consecutive patients diagnosed with major depression (DSM‐IV) were examined for their preferences regarding VE in their present state, as well as in two hypothetical scenarios. They were then treated for depression, and their preferences re‐examined. Twenty two subjects completed both stages of the study. Of these, 18 improved in levels of depression. Before treatment, eight (44%) indicated a desire for VE, but after treatment only two (11%) desired VE. A similar trend in preference was found for the good prognosis scenario; but for the uncertain prognosis illness, preferences for VE remained high. Major depression in elderly patients may be associated with very high levels of preference for VE which is reversible with treatment in the majority of cases. However, there was a suggestion that high levels of acceptance of VE occurring in situations involving serious medical illnesses may not reverse following treatment for depression.