Physician suicide and the COVID-19 pandemic

摘要

The suicide of a New York City physician caring for COVID-19 patients represents a human tragedy [1]. Suicide rates among physicians are higher than in the general population. Women physicians are at greater risk, as are anaesthesiologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and general surgeons [2]. Physician suicide can be related to untreated mental illness and to occupational risks from the emotional impact of work [3]. Access to means such as toxic medication increases risk. The COVID-19 pandemic presents additional suicide risks in the general population owing to social isolation, economic stressors, reduced access to community support, uncertainty and reduced help-seeking for mental and physical ill-health [4]. In a challenging healthcare environment, physicians face additional risk factors including burnout, moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder [5].