Euthanasia for Psychological Suffering on the Rise in the Netherlands
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New data reveals an increasing number of euthanasia cases in the Netherlands are related to mental health conditions, including a concerning rise among young people.
Disparity in Approvals
While dutch law does not differentiate between physical adn mental suffering when considering euthanasia, approvals are significantly more common for somatic illnesses, according to Rob Edens of the Dutch Association for Euthanasia. “The euthanasia law makes no distinction between suffering from a somatic or mental illness, but euthanasia is granted much more often in physical diseases,” Edens stated.
Growing Numbers of Cases
despite the disparity, euthanasia for psychological suffering is becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2024, there were 219 reported cases, with 30 involving individuals under the age of 30. This represents a significant increase from 2020,when 80 cases were reported,five of which were younger than 30.
A Complex and Rigorous Process
The Euthanasia Expertise Center, responsible for evaluating half of all requests from psychiatric patients, emphasizes the complexity of these cases. The process involves months, and frequently enough years, of intensive conversations between doctors, nurses, and patients, exploring their suffering, life perspectives, and desires for death.
Ultimately, after thorough inquiry, euthanasia is granted to approximately 1 in 10 patients.however, this rate is significantly lower for young people.
Multiple Layers of Review
Edens explains the additional safeguards in place for cases involving psychological suffering: “In regular euthanasia cases, a second, autonomous doctor must watch whether all the regulations and care requirements have been met in addition to the executive doctor. With euthanasia due to psychological suffering, a third doctor with psychiatric expertise is added. He looks at whether all the fairly conceivable about treatments has been.” This multi-doctor review ensures a comprehensive assessment of all available treatment options.
