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Suicide in young doctors.

J C Richings, G S Khara, M McDowell

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science

|October 1, 1986

Summary

Physician suicide rates are higher than the general population, particularly for young doctors. Specific medical specialties showed no increased risk, but overseas-born women doctors faced a greater risk.

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Area of Science:

Medical research
Public health
Epidemiology

Background:

Physician suicide is a significant concern, especially among younger medical professionals.
Previous studies indicated excess mortality among doctors due to suicide.
There is a need to understand specific risk factors within the medical profession.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate suicide rates among doctors under 40.
To identify potential risk factors and specialty-specific trends in physician suicide.
To confirm the excess mortality of doctors from suicide.

Main Methods:

Retrospective case study analysis of 55 suicides among doctors under 40.
Examination of suicide data in relation to medical specialty and demographic factors.
Comparison of mortality rates with the general population and trends in accidental poisoning.

Main Results:

Confirmed excess mortality from suicide among doctors under 40.
No specific medical specialty showed a predominant risk for suicide.
Overseas-born women doctors exhibited a somewhat higher risk of suicide.

Conclusions:

The medical profession continues to present risk factors contributing to higher suicide rates.
While some mortality trends are improving (e.g., accidental poisoning in young male doctors), suicide remains a critical issue.
Further research into demographic and professional factors, such as those affecting overseas-born women doctors, is warranted.

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