Research suggests that expanded access to MAiD tends to benefit people with wealth and privilege, offering them choices and autonomy. At the same time, it puts marginalized people at risk.
Conservatorships significantly restrict people’s ability to make decisions for themselves. Other options can provide support while maintaining respect for autonomy.
The TGA is considering a proposal to reclassify psilocybin and MDMA from their current status as prohibited substances. This would allow psychiatrists to use these drugs to treat mental illness.
People with schizophrenia are almost three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those without the serious mental illness, making it second only to age as a risk factor for mortality.
A neuropsychologist who works in these skilled care facilities describes the changing populations. With COVID-19, many nursing homes are now struggling to stay in business.
The fundamental underpinning of all MAID requests is supposed to be the presence of an incurable medical condition, but it’s not possible to predict that a mental illness will not improve.
Financial hardships in particular are likely to lead to ongoing mental health problems, even as the pandemic subsides. Our program could help many people whose mental health has suffered during COVID.
The UN has twice called on Australia to dismantle its indefinite detention system for people with cognitive impairments and mental illness, which disproportionately affects Indigenous people.
The execution of Lisa Montgomery in the U.S. earlier this year demonstrates how society misunderstands the effects of mental illness and trauma on criminal behaviour.
Structural stigma is in the rules, policies and procedures of organizations and society. It’s reflected in systems that treat people with mental illness as less treatable or less deserving of care.
The TGA is currently evaluating a proposal to legalise MDMA and psilocybin for the treatment of mental illness. But there are a few reasons Australia isn’t quite ready to take this step.
Drugs like ketamine can relieve depression symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, within hours, but they also carry risks that patients need to understand.