Psychiatrists' Awareness and Use of Voluntary Self-Prohibition as a Firearm Suicide Prevention Tool in Virginia

Voluntary self-prohibition (VSP) is a suicide prevention policy that allows individuals who recognize their risk for suicide to voluntarily prevent themselves from purchasing firearms through systems requiring background checks. It is unclear whether psychiatrists are aware of this suicide prevention tool or when to recommend it appropriately.

To evaluate Virginia psychiatrists' awareness and use of VSP alongside Substantial Risk Orders (SROs) to inform policy and practice.

A convenience sample of Virginia psychiatrists was surveyed on knowledge and use of VSP and SRO, including vignettes of patients at varying risk levels.

Sixty-three psychiatrists completed the survey. Most (66.7%) were unaware of VSP or SRO. After brief education, 74.1% of respondents chose VSP in the vignette where it was most strongly indicated and 72.2% chose SRO in the vignette where it was most strongly indicated. After learning about VSP, 83% agreed or strongly agreed that VSP could be a useful tool.

The sample was small and did not collect certain information which may have provided additional insight into respondents' choices.

After brief education, most respondents found VSP potentially useful. Ensuring knowledge of VSP and SRO may improve the uptake of both policies and suicide prevention efforts.