Stopping Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment: Psychiatric Considerations in the Termination of Renal Dialysis

Abstract

Data are presented regarding the decision by medical staff and by patients to discontinue renal dialysis. Some relevant issues regarding the patients are discussed, including their mental competence, underlying motivation and psychiatric state. Also some of the medical factors involved in the decision to stop treatment are considered. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the patient's sense of active participation and involvement in his treatment. Mention is made of the importance of interventions to decrease the psychological morbidity in survivors of patients who stop dialysis.