Euthanasia in adults with psychiatric conditions: A descriptive study of the experiences of Belgian psychiatrists.

To investigate the experience of psychiatrists who completed assessment procedures of euthanasia requests from adults with psychiatric conditions (APC) over the last 12 months. Between November 2018 and April 2019 a cross-sectional survey was sent to a sample of 753 psychiatrists affiliated with Belgian organisations of psychiatrists to gather detailed information on their latest experience with a completed euthanasia assessment procedure, irrespective of its outcome (i.e.

Discontinuation of Continuation or Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Naturalistic Study Investigating Relapse in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.

Background: Continuation or maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (C/M-ECT) is recommended to reduce relapse rates of patients with major depressive disorder. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ECT services have come under pressure or needed to close because of redirected resources and safety reasons. We investigated the impact of C/M-ECT discontinuation on relapse in patients with unipolar depressive disorder in Flanders, Belgium.

The engagement of psychiatrists in the assessment of euthanasia requests from psychiatric patients in Belgium: a survey study.

Background: Since its legalisation in 2002, the number of times euthanasia has been carried out in response to requests from adults with psychiatric conditions (APC) has continued to increase. However, little is known about why and how psychiatrists become engaged in the assessment of such euthanasia requests.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019 of 499 psychiatrists affiliated with the Flemish Psychiatry Association.

Belgian psychiatrists' attitudes towards, and readiness to engage in, euthanasia assessment procedures with adults with psychiatric conditions: a survey.

Background: Although the Belgian assessment pathway for legal euthanasia requires the engagement of at least one psychiatrist, little is known about psychiatrists' attitudes towards euthanasia for adults with psychiatric conditions (APC). This study aims to gauge psychiatrists' attitudes towards and readiness to engage in euthanasia assessment and/or performance procedures in APC.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was performed between November 2018 and April 2019.

Prescribing preferences in rapid tranquillisation: a survey in Belgian psychiatrists and emergency physicians.

Background: The pharmacotherapeutic management of agitation is a common clinical challenge. Pharmacotherapy is frequently used, the use of published guidelines is not known. The purpose of this study was twofold; to describe the prescribing patterns of psychiatrists and emergency physicians and to evaluate to which extent guidelines are used.