[P02.158] Attitudes about Physician-Assisted Suicide in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Louisa V. Lavy, Alyssa Bamer, James D. Bowen, George H. Kraft, Seattle, WA

OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes regarding physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND: Little is known about factors affecting PAS in chronic disabling diseases. In order to assess patient attitudes, we evaluated persons with MS. DESIGN/METHODS: Surveys mailed to 739 members of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County were completed by 402 (54.4%). A follow-up survey was mailed 2 years later and completed by 334 (83.1%). RESULTS: Mean age was 49.3 years. Most were female (79.3%), educated with some college or higher (70.8%), living with a spouse or significant other (60.4%). Relapsing-remitting course was most common (55.1%); mean disease duration was 11 years. Severity (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) ranges were: 0.0-4.0=24.3%, 4.5-6.5=49.8%, 7.0-9.0=25.9%. A majority (64.5%) wanted a medication to end life available, although only 2.1% would have taken it the prior year. Yes responders were younger (p=0.013), scored lower in spiritual belief (p<0.0001), had lower EDSS (p=0.025), and were not depressed (p=0.09). 67.0% believed medication should be available only through a physician; 14.1% believed medication should be available without prescription. Most enjoyed life and would not consider ending life (94.2%), but 19.0% would end their life if MS became too much to bear. This view was consistent on follow-up. 10.6% had had thoughts about ending life. Among those who would consider PAS, the following would be important: severe pain (81.5%), loss of cognition (73.8%), being a burden (65.8%), having no purpose or enjoyment (78.6%), being in control (81.8%). Legality and religion would not be important for 73.0% and 51.7%. CONCLUSIONS/RELEVANCE: A majority of MS patients want the option of PAS. They tend to be younger, have less physical disability, and less spirituality. Furthermore, these attitudes persisted over 2 years. Most did not presently consider PAS, but would consider it if their disease became unbearable. Supported by: The contents of this abstract were developed under grants from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number 133B980017 & H133B080025. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and one should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Category - MS and Related Diseases - Clinical Science

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 3:00 PM

Poster Session II: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Diseases: Clinical Research/Quality of Life (3:00 PM-7:30 PM)