Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie
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Chronic pain is one of the most common complaints in the elderly, associated with much impairment of quality of life. Up to now clinical research has focused little attention on pain in old age. ⋯ The studies also make evident that proved psychological pain management is transferable to elderly patients. The knowledge of effective psychological treatment in case of chronic pain in the elderly has been seldom realized in clinical practice.
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In medicine and law the ethical values confront one another: "death with dignity" ("allowing to die") versus the "right to life" ("preservation of life"). An individual's right to self-determination conflicts with the physician's obligation to preserve life. The problematic is discussed from the standpoints of both medicine and law, and current developments in the medical profession and legal practice are presented.
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Euthanasia is as culpable homicide guilty (murder), counselling or aiding suicide however not. The patient has the right to take own decisions concerning the treatment which could unduly prolong the death process.