Suicide Among Women and the Role of Women's Health Care Providers

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with increasing rates among women. Women are more likely to experience suicidal ideation and engage in suicide behavior than men, and risk is elevated at key points where they may engage in care with a women's health care provider.

This review describes the prevalence of and risk factors for suicide among women and highlights the role of obstetrician-gynecologists in suicide prevention.

A PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO search was completed for English-language publications about suicide among women, including subtopics (eg, perinatal suicide, suicide during perimenopause).

There are overlapping risk factors that contribute to suicide among women, including intimate partner violence and substance use. Specific groups of women may present with unique risk factors, such as women veterans, women in rural areas, and women with preexisting mental health diagnoses, particularly serious mental illnesses. Some women at risk for suicide are not seen in clinical settings, and thus community interventions may be beneficial. There are roles for obstetrician-gynecologists within and outside of the clinic to prevent suicide.

Obstetrician-gynecologists can save lives by being aware of the prevalence of suicide ideation and behavior among women, understanding risk factors for suicide over the lifespan, regularly screening for these factors, asking directly about suicide ideation and intent, and being aware of clinical and community resources. Outside of the clinic, they can advocate for increased health care access and community-based interventions. These efforts can contribute to the reduction of preventable death and maternal mortality.