Abstract
In Spain there have been 180 cases of euthanasia in the past year, one year since the country's Euthanasia Law came into force. The new law established that euthanasia can be carried out if it is the wish of patients who are suffering from serious, chronic and debilitating conditions or serious and incurable illness which causes intolerable suffering. Up to now, the intent to end one's life was considered a sign of psychopathology; psychiatrists are trained to treat the underlying psychiatric disorder. Assessing the mental capacity of an individual making a death wish and acting as an agent for euthanasia is contrary to traditional training of a psychiatrist. The role of psychiatrists concerning Euthanasia in Spain, particularly as far as elderly patients is concerned, is reviewed.
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