"We must be vigilant for signs of burnout and depression within ourselves and among our colleagues, and we must not hesitate to seek help when we recognize something is amiss. Physicians have resilience and self-reliance in abundance, but when we rely on those traits above all others, we put our own well-being and that of our patients and colleagues at risk."
Susan R. Bailey, MD, president (2020-2021), AMA
Suicide among physicians
Suicide among physicians
Physicians are at a higher risk of suicide and suicidal ideation than the general population.1 Suicidal ideation has been associated with high workload volume2 and medical errors.3 Although previous research linked physician burnout to depression and suicide, a recent investigation suggests that burnout and depression are separate experiences, with distinct consequences for physicians and their patients.4 Physicians who experience suicidal ideation have been shown to be less likely to seek the help they need.
Factors associated with suicide among physicians include:
- Depression5
- Emotional exhaustion1
- Substance-use disorder5
- Impaired relationships5
- Self-destructive tendency5
Understanding the incidence of suicide among physicians, residents and medical students will help inform the AMA's continued efforts to promote access to mental health care, improve physician professional satisfaction and well-being and reduce suicide risk for our nation's healthcare workforce.
Identifying and addressing warning signs and risk factors
Identifying and addressing warning signs and risk factors
Taking proactive steps to identify and address physician distress can help to ensure the well-being of colleagues and reduce the risk of suicidal ideation. Additionally, it is imperative that physicians recognize the importance of self-care, model wellness behaviors and encourage others to do the same.
Organizations should also note the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere in the workplace, which can be instrumental in addressing physician distress. Physician advocates can be valuable assets to an organization by providing support services to those in need of help.
Additionally, referral lists for confidential resources inside and outside of the organization should be updated regularly and available to all team members, including physicians.
AMA efforts and resources to prioritize well-being and mental health
AMA efforts and resources to prioritize well-being and mental health
AMA resources
AMA resources
AMA news stories
AMA podcasts
AMA webinars
AMA co-authored research
AMA-sponsored campaign
Note: If you or a colleague are thinking about suicide, please contact the Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.
1 Shanafelt TD, Dyrbye L, et al. Suicidal ideation and attitudes regarding help seeking in US physicians relative to the us working population. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021; 96(8): 2067–2080. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.01.033.
2 Duarte D, El-Hagrassy MM, Couto TCE, Gurgel W, Fregni F, Correa H. Male and female physician suicidality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;77(6):587–597. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0011.
3 Shanafelt TD, Balch CM, Dyrbye L, et al. Special report: suicidal ideation among American surgeons. Arch Surg. 2011;146(1):54–62. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.2010.292.
4 Nikitha K. Menon BA. Association of physician burnout with suicidal ideation and medical errors. JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(12):e2028780. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28780.
5 Epstein LC, Thomas CB, Shaffer JW, Perlin S. Clinical prediction of physician suicide based on medical student data. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1973;156(1):19–29. doi: 10.1097/00005053-197301000-00002.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
With an increased number of people reporting worsening mental health in recent years, it is imperative that people are aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) telephone program.
People experiencing a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress can call, chat or text 988, and speak to trained crisis counselors. The national hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to be operational and route calls to 988 indefinitely.
