Physician Suicide

Suicide among physicians and health-care workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Preventive strategies may include improved management of psychiatric disorders, the recognition and treatment of depression and substances abuse [65], but also measures to reduce occupational stress, and restriction of access to means of suicide when doctors are depressed [4,132]. Medical school curriculum should also include programs to increase students’ self-confidence, to express their emotional needs, and to teach that anyone may be suicidal–regardless of his status [133]. The preventive approach may consist of screening, assessment, referral and education, and to destigmatize help-seeking at-risk medical students/physicians [134].…”

Psychopathology and Suicide among Quebec Physicians: A Nested Case Control Study

“…We should continue to increase physicians' awareness of warning signs of suicidal ideation, such as observable signs of serious depression (which may be found in references [ 20 , 33 ]). As Preven [ 42 ] noted long ago, “If the physician can not heal himself, perhaps he can learn to recognize the need for assistance.” (page 61).…”

Physician Depression and Suicide: A Shared Responsibility

“…6 In 1987, the AMA recommended that organized medicine promote suicide reduction programs and develop guidelines to detect and treat suicidal ideation, 23 but little systematic action has been taken. Many say that efforts must begin in medical school by teaching medical students about self-care, 26 social support, 31 relationship management, self-awareness, 44 drug and alcohol abuse, 31 and how to ask for help. 6,10,26 Model medical school programs, such as that at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, demonstrate benefits associated with education, confidential screening, and early intervention.…”

“…Some argue that physicians are trained to feel superhuman, unable to ask for help within the culture of medical education. 22,26,27 They learn self-sacrifice and emotional suppression as part of the indoctrination of becoming a physician. 8,26 Although society appreciates the qualities of perfectionism, compulsive attention to detail, and driven character, there could be an exaggerated sense of duty.…”

“…22,26,27 They learn self-sacrifice and emotional suppression as part of the indoctrination of becoming a physician. 8,26 Although society appreciates the qualities of perfectionism, compulsive attention to detail, and driven character, there could be an exaggerated sense of duty. 22,27 These qualities may be the reason that physicians do not seek help, as evidenced in multiple studies.…”