http://goo.gl/uf8Ax3
The researchers analyzed the euthanasia requests made by 100 individuals - 77 women and 23 men - on the grounds of unbearable suffering. All patients were receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders at outpatient clinics in Belgium between 2007 and 2011 and were followed-up until the end of 2012.
Ninety-one of the patients had been referred for counseling, while 73 were classed as medically unfit to work and 59 lived alone, according to the study.
More than one psychiatric illness was identified among 90% of patients, according to the team, with depression being the most frequent diagnosis, affecting 58 patients. Personality disorders were the second most common mental illness and affected 50 patients.