A group of psychologists and psychiatrists from the Netherlands and abroad have written to the Dutch society of psychiatrists NVVP saying the profession should have a decisive role in the decision to grant requests for euthanasia in cases of unbearable mental suffering.

In a letter seen by Trouw, the group said that psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and internal family systems therapists should have a bigger contribution before an official decision.

At the moment, requests for euthanasia in cases of mental suffering are judged by doctors and psychiatrists according to standard procedures, which, the letter writers claim, may result in a limited picture of the patient’s ability to recover.

A more complete assessment could be achieved by clinical psychologists and psychotherapists (specialised in complex psychopathology), and systems therapists (who specialise in family dynamics), the campaigners say.

In the letter, the group said that problems such as transference and counter-transference, and pressure from relatives, are forcing therapists to “do something”.

There is a risk that powerlessness and desperation precipitate the decision, said psychotherapist and signatory Ardalan Najjarkhaki. Other, specialised therapists, who are “specifically trained to recognise and analyse these processes,” should therefore be involved, he told the paper.

“The Netherlands plays a pioneering role in matters of euthanasia. We must anchor that role and make multidisciplinary decisions to ensure due care,” he said.

The NVVP said in its reaction it is sympathetic to the contents of the letter but that it has no role in changing the legislation around euthanasia.

In 2024, 219 requests for euthanasia for mental suffering were granted ,compared to 138 the year before. In 30 of the cases, patients were aged between 18 and 30, up eight from 2023.

Last year, a group of psychiatrists were rebuked for criticising the euthanasia of a 17-year-old, urging the public prosecutor to start a legal procedure.

In a letter to the prosecution department, they mentioned the “widespread promotion of euthanasia,” which, in their opinion, they said could lead to “the unnecessary death” of young patients.