National Physician Suicide Awareness Day: Early intervention, ‘silent epidemic’ and more

In conjunction with National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of recent research and news developments related to this topic.

Early intervention key to combatting physician burnout, suicide

Ending physician suicide from burnout relies on early identification of and intervention for unwellness before it leads to impairment, according to a speaker at the Ending Physician Burnout Global Summit. Read more.

Q&A: ACP president discusses ‘silent epidemic’ of physician suicide

ACP President George M. Abraham, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and emeritus medical staff president of St. Vincent Hospital in Worchester, Mass., discussed a policy paper published by ACP that stated interventions for suicide prevention need to take place at individual, interpersonal, community and societal levels. Read more.

Suicidal ideation in physicians linked to depression, not burnout

Although physician burnout is associated with increased medical errors, it is not associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation after adjusting for depression, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

17% of physicians have experienced suicidal ideation

Almost 1 in 5 physicians have experienced suicidal ideation in their lifetimes, a systematic review and meta-analysis in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior showed. Read more.

ED physician’s death by suicide sparks dialogue on culture, policy changes

Stigma and potential career consequences may prevent ED physicians from seeking mental health care, according to poll data discussed during an American College of Emergency Physicians’ teleconference. Read more.