Suicide, Euthanasia and AIDS

Abstract

This article critically reviews research on suicide, AIDS, and HIV seropositivity. Studies indicate that men with a diagnosis of AIDS or HIV seropositivity have up to 36 times greater risk of suicide than men without the diagnosis. Yet few studies controlled for independent risk factors such as premorbid or comorbid psychiatric syndromes. Also, control groups may not be appropriate, little data are available on women, and explanations of suicidal dynamics are mostly speculative. After a look at the research on the desire for euthanasia and assisted suicide with other illnesses, the author suggests alternative hypotheses concerning suicidality, the desire for euthanasia, and AIDS.