Depression and Anxiety in Patients Requesting Aid in Dying
Author Information
Author(s): Linda Ganzini, Elizabeth R. Goy, Steven K. Dobscha
Primary Institution: Columbia Center for the Study of Chronic, Comorbid Mental and Physical Disorders, Health Services Research and Development, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients pursuing aid in dying?
Conclusion
Most terminally ill patients who receive aid in dying do not have depressive disorders, but some may still be influenced by depression.
Supporting Evidence
- 15 participants met criteria for depression, and 13 met criteria for anxiety.
- 42 patients died by the end of the study; 18 received a prescription for a lethal drug.
- Three depressed participants died by legal ingestion within two months of the research interview.
Takeaway
This study looked at sick people who wanted help to die and found that many weren't depressed, but some were, which could affect their choice.
Methodology
Cross-sectional survey of terminally ill patients in Oregon who requested aid in dying.
Potential Biases
Potential for inflated prevalence of depression due to attributing somatic symptoms to depression rather than terminal illness.
Limitations
Only 28% of invited patients participated, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 66 years, 31 women, 22 married, 21 in hospice, with cancer or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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