Increased Suicide Risk Among Physicians and Veterinarians

Overview of the Issue

Physicians and veterinarians face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. A recent review published in Current Opinion in Psychology delves into the factors contributing to this alarming trend. In the United States, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in 2015, with men being nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Notably, female physicians have a suicide rate four times higher than that of women in other professions. Moreover, the suicide risk among veterinarians is on the rise, approaching that of their physician counterparts.

Identifying Risk Factors

Several risk factors have been identified as contributors to the elevated suicide rates among physicians and veterinarians. The primary risk factor cited is job-related stress, which can stem from long working hours, social isolation, feelings of inadequacy, and the psychological burden of making mistakes in practice. Additionally, certain personality traits such as perfectionism, anxiety, and high achievement standards may predispose individuals in these professions to suicidal behavior.

Another critical risk factor is the accessibility of lethal drugs and knowledge of their dosages. Physicians often utilize methods such as poisoning, which is the most common suicide method in this group, involving substances like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics.

Understanding Precursors to Suicide

The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior (IPTS) is increasingly recognized as a framework for identifying individuals at high risk for suicide. According to the IPTS, three precursors can indicate such risk: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and capability for suicide.

Perceived burdensomeness refers to the belief that one’s absence would benefit others, while thwarted belongingness denotes a feeling of disconnection from others. Capability for suicide involves the physical means and desensitization to self-harm. It is suggested that physicians and veterinarians may experience these precursors more acutely than the general population. For instance, significant educational debt may lead to feelings of burdensomeness, and experiences with euthanasia could diminish the fear of death, thereby increasing the capability for suicide.

Conclusion and the Need for Support

In summary, the heightened suicide risk among physicians and veterinarians is influenced by work-related stress, psychosocial factors, and access to lethal means. While current research sheds light on this pressing issue, tackling suicidal behavior in these professions remains challenging. The stigma surrounding mental health persists, and reports indicate that physicians are less likely to seek mental health care compared to those in other fields. Therefore, it is essential to encourage these professionals to pursue treatment when necessary.

Reference

Fink-Miller EL and Nestler LM. Suicide in physicians and veterinarians: risk factors and theories. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2018.