{
  "abstract": "Physician-assisted death (PAD) of patients whose suffering does not stem from terminal conditions has become more prevalent during the last few decades. This paper is focused on decision-making competence for PAD, specifically in situations in which PAD is related solely to psychiatric illness. First, a theoretical analysis presents the premises for the argument that competence for physician-assisted death for psychiatric patients (PADPP) should be determined based on a higher threshold in comparison to the required competence for conventional medical interventions. Second, the higher threshold for decision-making competence for PADPP is illustrated. Third, several real PADPP cases are critically discussed, as an illustration to decision-making competence evaluations that would not have met the higher standard. Finally, a short summary of practical suggestions regarding the assessment of decision-making competence for PADPP is presented. Psychiatrists are called to address the ethical, legal, societal and clinical challenges related to PADPP and should be prepared for its probable expansion.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Beer Yaakov-Ness Ziona Mental Health Center, Beer Yaakov, Israel"
      ],
      "name": "Azgad Gold"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Competence for physician-assisted death of patients with mental disorders: theoretical and practical considerations",
  "uid": "d69edb70-3e91-568d-a13c-2f3443513bd8"
}