“Suicide Risk Among Physicians in the USA: A Systematic Narrative Review of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies”

Abstract

Physician suicide is a significant public health problem, as previous research shows physicians are at increased risk of dying by suicide compared to the general population. We aim to focus on the recent trends in physician suicide death rates, risk factors and preventive measures related to physicians in the US. We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO resulted in 5139 records. We included 5 studies that provide a sex-specific examination of physician suicide death rates, related risk factors, or preventive measures. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment and employed a thematic approach to interpret data. Our qualitative analysis revealed that female physicians have an elevated risk of suicide in comparison to their female non-physician counterparts, whereas male physicians exhibit lower risk relative to male non-physicians. Our findings show that male risk factors for suicide include job and legal stressors, while females were affected by mental health issues. Depression was a direct contributor to suicidal thoughts, while burnout was indirectly involved. Distinguishing between burnout and depression is essential for the implementation of successful preventative methods. Future research must investigate intersectional elements, as well as longitudinal post-pandemic trends, to inform the formulation of fair policy. These findings underscore the critical need for supportive workplace conditions to mitigate suicide risk among physicians. Enhancing awareness of the stigma associated with mental health care access and prioritizing support networks are crucial measures for cultivating a culture of psychological well-being within the medical profession.