Case Study Ben’s current mental and physical condition
Case Study
According to Ben’s current mental and physical condition, I believe that he should be allowed to make his own decisions. These conditions have caused him a lot of pain and agony throughout his life for a long time. Battling with depression at the same time realizing that he has less than four months to live has made his life unbearable, and therefore, according to him, the right to die through physician-assisted suicide would bring an end to his suffering. Because he cannot undertake his daily duties anymore, only add to his depression and pain in his life.
Although depression is known to alter the ability to make decisions, this is not the case with Ben. He confirms to his physician that he has been taking his antidepressants. Therefore, this cannot be a determining factor in his decision making. Ben’s conditions, according to the law, qualify him for the procedure. The law states that a patient can be allowed the right to die as long as he can make health care decisions and if they have a terminal illness that could lead to death within six months (Öllinger & Szathmáry, 2016).
One of the main concerns that people with terminal illnesses have is the feeling of being a burden to others. These concerns generate feelings of depression to the patients, thus giving them the thoughts of terminating their own lives (Dreher, 2016). Ben feels he is a burden to his family, showing how depressed he is and his readiness to make this decision and spare his family the pain of seeing him suffer. Ben is also concerned about the debt racked up a result of his illness and his inability to provide and actively involved with his family. He also admitted his lack of energy to continue living life in that manner. Therefore, I believe the family should accord him the right to make his own decisions.
References
Dreher, J.-C. (2016).
Decision Neuroscience: An Integrative Perspective
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Öllinger, M., Volz, K. G., & Szathmáry, E. (2018).
Insight and Intuition – Two Sides of the Same Coin?
. Place of publication not identified: Frontiers Media SA.