Suicide in Physicians
- Greater than 90% of physicians who commit suicide have a history of mood disorder
- Suicide rates exceed general population: 70% higher for males and 250-400% higher for females
- Equivalent of two medical school classes per year lost to suicide (300-400 people)
Suicide is preventable, but is the ultimate negative outcome of mood disorders.
Physician Suicide Risk Factors
- Mood disorders; substance abuse
- Impulsivity
- Recent losses
- Lawsuits; professional sanctions
- Chronic pain; disability
- Social isolation
- Age; race
Most physician suicide occurs in the context of mood disorders and/or substance abuse. Often physician suicide victims have experienced recent professional, personal or family loss. Physicians threatened with loss of livelihood or license are at greater risk. Self-prescription of psychoactive drugs is an ominous sign. More than half of physicians who completed suicide had self-prescribed medication.
Physicians more often successfully commit suicide by drug overdose than the general population. The higher rate of completion is due to the increased drug availability and knowledge of toxicity. Examples of risk taking behaviors include high stakes gambling and thrill seeking. Additional risk factors are Caucasian males over age 50 and Caucasian females over age 45.
If you recognize these risk factors, ask about suicidal ideation. Asking about suicide does not encourage someone to have a suicide attempt. The physician has an ethical, legal, and moral obligation to intervene with the colleague if there is a risk of suicide.
Depression and suicide is discussed in another course offered by the PHR Committee.
(Schernhammer 2005)
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Last Updated On
January 26, 2012
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010