MCQ Psychiatry Answer 43

The correct answer is D.

Many people who request physician-assisted suicide have one of two conditions present: either a poorly controlled painful condition or severe depression. If the painful condition is adequately treated or the depression is brought under good medical control, the request for physician assistance in terminating the situation is typically withdrawn. It is important to note that bringing these conditions under control requires the intervention of caregivers who are specifically trained in the management of these two conditions; primary care physicians usually are not adequately trained to address these difficult presentations.

While patients who are diagnosed as bipolar disorder (choice A), borderline personality disorder (choice B), and schizophrenic disorder (choice E) often make suicide attempts (and frequently complete those attempts), they do not generally ask their physician for assistance in the suicide.
Persons with factitious disorder (choice C) are seeking primary gain, often for dependency needs, and are seeking to enter the "sick role" not the "dead role.

Category: Psychiatry MCQs