The advocates of euthanasia in patients with mental illness are going in the wrong direction

International audienceShaw et al argue that it's wrong to assume that patients suffering from mental health issues (including depression) cannot consent to assisted suicide. But being depressed is the strongest correlate of decision instability, of changing from acceptance of euthanasia to rejecting it at follw up. As a matter of fact, the rate of psychiatric patients who, after seeking euthanasia or assisted suicide(EAS), no longer wished to die and/or withdrew their requests is quite high. In general, caregivers should be aware of the risks for patients with a mental health issue