Professional Adversities and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Mexican Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists may be at an increased risk of suicide, since they encounter stressful factors in their everyday activities in addition to the sociodemographic factors for suicidal ideation reported for Mexican population.

To determine whether experiences inherent to the profession were related to the self-report of suicidal ideation among Mexican psychiatrists or could be attributed to factors previously reported in the general population (age, marital status, presence of a mental disorder and not having received specialized treatment).

This was a cross-sectional retrospective study with 288 psychiatrists from Mexico who participated through an online survey where current working activities, self-reported mental health conditions (major depression, anxiety, burnout and suicidal ideation) and professional adversities (assaults, lawsuits, patients with suicidal ideation or who had committed suicide, perceived discrimination and social support) throughout the professional lifespan were evaluated.

Twenty-two psychiatrists (7.6%) reported having had suicidal ideation at some point in their training in psychiatry or their professional lives as psychiatrists. Depression and burnout were the most important predictors for suicidal ideation while greater satisfaction with social support was the most important protector, followed by being married/living together and having other physicians in the family.

Psychiatrist represent a risk population for suicidal ideation. As such, detection and attention are essential. Psychiatrists need to be encouraged to pursue healthy, lasting interpersonal relationships and seek professional help when required.