Art work produced by geriatric patient on psychiatric ward illustrated metaphors of loss. After three months, patient was diagnosed with liver cancer; she died three weeks later. All work was produced before cancer diagnosis, yet it showed similarities to work by cancer patients, suggesting that client unconsciously knew she was dying and worked…

Reviews literature on suicide and terminal illnesses. Examines suicide rate for persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Explores physical and psychosocial factors that may contribute to decision by person with AIDS to commit suicide. Applies Siegel's criteria for rational suicide to case of person with AIDS. Examines role of…

Notes that, in survey of 50 cancer patients offered living wills, 6 individuals declined to sign advance directives. Contains detailed evaluation of each of six cases. Discusses potential value of living wills in context of other, newer forms of advance directives, such as durable power of attorney for health care, and more detailed living will…

Explores issues related to "right to die." Makes case for counselors to assist clients and families with concerns related to refusal or withdrawal of medical treatment in cases of terminal illness or in cases where quality of life is severely impaired such as permanent comatose state. Presents historical, ethical, and legal perspectives.…

Explores sexual needs and expression of gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Explores several potential positive functions of sustained sex life for these men and factors that inhibit sexual expression. Discusses issues influencing social work practice related to sexual needs of this growing population. Presents suggestions…

Presents cubism as metaphor to think about medical humanities curriculum in medical school curriculum. Uses Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych," and Olsen's "Tell Me a Riddle" to illustrate how literary inquiry might enable medical students and other health care providers to think about…

Notes that diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to denote death sentence. Contends that AIDS is unique terminal illness in that no other single disease in history of American legal system has generated more litigation than AIDS. Examines medico-legal issues associated with AIDS-related death: estate planning,…

Describes four modes of positive survival with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and analyzes them as they appear in support groups for people with AIDS. Sees beneficent, artistic-spiritual, heroic, and rational-instrumental survival modes as compromise solutions to fears of life and death described by Rank. Calls analysis nonpejorative…

Discusses problems experienced by families who have child who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive or who has Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), noting that child with HIV/AIDS in family usually means at least one parent also has HIV/AIDS. Urges professionals to think of family, rather than individual, and to plan services for…

Illustrates with a case study example the importance of teachers helping young children deal with a death. Presents specific dialogs for dealing with the victim of the tragedy, the classmates, and the employees of the classroom. Focuses on teacher roles and contributions in the understanding and coping processes. (SD)

Presents evidence for heightened need among dying to explore religious-spiritual issues and explains how counselors might best approach this need. Approach explicated centers on nonjudgmental openness toward all of client's religious-spiritual explorations. Presents psychosocial tools than can be used to assess, examine, and amplify client's…

Identifies several distinctive characteristics of bereavement in relation to human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Discusses multiple loss syndrome, truant grief, and chronic bereavement that are often experienced by persons living with AIDS and professionals working in HIV/AIDS field. Discusses need for new…

Defines amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as motor-neuron disease that is terminal. Discusses symptoms associated with ALS and identifies treatment options. Reviews psychological and behavioral adaptations in regard to ALS clients, their families, and professionals who work with them. Discusses support groups as method of reducing stress for ALS…

Notes that people over age 60 have highest suicide rates and comprise one-fourth of all suicides. Presents case study illustrating risk assessment and intervention with elderly woman. Examines clinical issues related to recognition of suicidal elderly patients and presents practical approach to early detection, evaluation, and management of…

This "gray paper" addresses the concerns of older women regarding their control over death and dying. It is based on the observation that older women are devalued by society on account of both their age and gender, and hence are likely to be impoverished and vulnerable as they approach death. The paper begins by examining the legal,…