A young man suffering from AIDS-related symptoms and an elderly woman with incurable cancer have taken their own lives. Were these "rational" suicides? Why or why not?


The question is intensely controversial. Advocates of the right to "self-deliverance" argue that individuals in great pain or faced with the prospect of a debilitating, hopeless battle against an incurable disease can and should be able to decide to end their lives. As legislatures and the legal system tackle the thorny questions of an individual's right to die, mental health professionals worry that, even in those with fatal diseases, suicidal wishes often stem from undiagnosed depression.
Because depression may indeed warp the ability to make a rational decision about suicide, mental health professionals urge physicians and family members to make sure individuals with chronic or fatal illnesses are evaluated for depression and given medication, psychotherapy, or both. It is also important for everyone to allow enough time—an average of three to eight weeks—to see if treatment for depression will make a difference in their desire to keep living.

Health & Biomechanics

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The surgical repair of the eardrum is known as: ___________ .

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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A medical term that means abnormal condition of no sweat is ________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Health & Biomechanics

____________________ disease is a degenerative central nervous system disorder with progressive loss of control over movement

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Health & Biomechanics

The Barbell Bench Press, Dumbbell Bench Press, Prone Bench Press, and Seated Chest Press develop the same muscles

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Health & Biomechanics