Full access
Letter to the Editor
Published Online: 20 September 2002

Witnessing Executions

John L. Kuehn, M.D.Authors Info & Affiliations
Publication: Psychiatric News
Volume 37, Number 18
https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.37.18.0026b
Track CitationsAdd to favorites
Joan Arehart-Treichel’s thoughtful article in the July 19 issue on death-penalty expectations and realities reminded me of an experience I had practicing in Baton Rouge, La., in the early 70s.
I was asked to see a patient with “intractable vomiting” in consultation. He told me he had witnessed recently the execution (by electrocution) of his son’s murderer in Texas. He witnessed the execution because he had been led to believe it would give him “satisfaction” and “closure” and let him get on with his life. Far from it: to me he expressed horror and disgust. He said that he felt far more depressed and sleepless after the experience.
Remembering this incident when I read the article in Psychiatric News reminded me that one of my great teachers, the late Preston McLean, M.D., used to say, “We must always help our patients forgive since revenge doesn’t heal anything. . . .”
Have any other APA members had similar or “opposite” experiences in their practices?

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Psychiatric News
Psychiatric News
Volume 37 • Number 18 • September 20, 2002
Pages: 26

History

Published online: 20 September 2002
Published in print: September 20, 2002

Authors

Details

John L. Kuehn, M.D.
Medina, Ohio
View all articles by this author

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Export Citations

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.

Format
Citation style
Style
Copy to clipboard
Tips for downloading citations

View Options

View options

Login options

Already a subscriber? Access your subscription through your login credentials or your institution for full access to this article.

Personal login Institutional Login Open Athens login

Not a subscriber?

Subscribe Now / Learn More

PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5-TR® library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.

Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Share article link

Share

×

As described within the American Psychiatric Association (APA)'s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences. Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.