Are female physicians at a higher risk of suicide?

From the Guidelines

Women physicians have a significantly higher rate of suicide, 130% higher, compared to women who are not physicians. This is a critical concern that needs to be addressed, as the rate of suicide among female physicians is substantially higher than among their non-physician counterparts 1. The evidence suggests that the medical profession as a whole is at a higher risk of suicide, with both male and female physicians having higher rates than the general population. Key factors contributing to this issue include:

• Burnout and occupational stress
• Depression and anxiety
• Substance use disorders
• Access to lethal means
• The culture of stoicism and reluctance to seek help within the medical profession

It is essential to acknowledge that the risk of suicide among physicians is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to prevention and intervention. Strategies to address this problem include:

• Promoting work-life balance and reducing work-related stress
• Encouraging a supportive workplace environment that fosters open discussion of mental health concerns
• Providing immediate resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and confidential physician health programs, for physicians experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care within the medical profession 1.

From the Research

Suicide Risk Among Women Physicians

• Studies have found that women physicians are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population 2, 3, 4, 5.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis found that female physicians have a significantly higher suicide rate than male physicians, with a standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.9 compared to 1.44 for male physicians 3.
• Another study found that female physicians have a 7.5% higher suicide rate than women in the general population, although this difference was not significant 4.
• A meta-analysis of studies from 1980 to the present found that female physicians have a significantly higher suicide SMR compared to women in the general population, with an SMR of 1.46 5.

Risk Factors for Suicide Among Women Physicians

• Studies have identified several risk factors for suicide among women physicians, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and workplace stress 2, 3, 4, 5.
• A study found that women physicians who were born in the United States, were not Asian, had histories of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse or dependence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, poor current mental health, more severe harassment, or a family history of psychiatric disorders were significantly more likely to report suicide attempts or depression 2.
• Another study found that female physicians who were not partnered, were childless, had a household gun, had more stress at home, drank alcohol, had worse health, or had a history of obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, substance abuse, an eating disorder, or another psychiatric disorder were more likely to report depression or suicide attempts 2.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

• Several psychotherapeutic interventions have been found to be effective in preventing and intervening in suicidal behavior among women physicians, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 6.
• These interventions focus on addressing cognitive processes, problem-solving difficulties, and emotion regulation, and have been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior among high-risk populations 6.