Suicide Rates Among Physicians Increasing

Suicide rates among doctors are notably higher compared to many other professions, and are on the rise. Studies have shown that physicians have a suicide rate that is approximately 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population. Specifically, male doctors have a suicide rate about 1.4 times higher than the general male population, while female doctors have a rate about 2.2 times higher than the general female population. This elevated risk is attributed to a combination of factors, including high levels of stress, burnout, access to means, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the medical community. Addressing these issues through better mental health support, reducing stigma, and promoting work-life balance are critical steps in mitigating this risk.

The increasing risk of suicide is indicative of increasing rates of depression, which also cause negative patient outcomes. One study found that depression in physicians significantly increased their rates of medical errors. Combined with the the influence of pharmaceutical companies and the structure of medical education it is not surprising that these stressors are faced by physicians. 

Pharmaceutical Influence: There is ongoing debate about the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical education and practice. This influence leads to a focus on medication over other treatments, potentially causing ethical dilemmas and stress for doctors who may feel pressured to prescribe certain medications. We are facing ever-increasing politicization of different drugs, depending on who stands to gain from promoting them, putting physicians in an increasingly uncomfortable place. Why did actor Matthew Perry’s doctor face criminal charges? Text messages revealed that he in fact was making money off of the prescriptions, and that the physician was trying to get as much money as possible. What does it say about the current climate of healthcare that even physicians, who should be paid enough, are incentivized to prescribe medications without proper diagnosis?  

Standard of Care: Doctors are required to adhere to established standards of care, which are designed to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. However, this can sometimes limit their ability to explore alternative treatments, including nutritional and lifestyle interventions, which can be frustrating for those who wish to take a more holistic approach. Many people have stories of a physician admitting they would like to be able to advise for or against certain drugs, but are constricted by the industry. In the last 5 years especially, we have seen a rise in resistance to off-label prescribing, in which physicians are able to prescribe medications for alternative uses.

Limited Nutrition Education: Medical training offers limited education on nutrition, which can leave doctors feeling ill-equipped to advise patients on dietary matters, despite their importance to health. This gap can contribute to a sense of inadequacy or frustration. Excluding nutrition from their available arsenal to attack disease will also lower the overall patient outcomes over time, leading to greater risk of physician depression. Not having proper nutrition themselves, and a lack of understanding how directly nutrition effects biological organisms, puts some physicians at greater risk of mental illness as well. However, studies show that most physicians take a vitamin supplement.

These are the main sets of factors, combined with the other stressors of the profession, can contribute to the mental health challenges faced by doctors. Addressing these issues may involve reforming medical education to include more comprehensive training in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, as well as fostering an environment where doctors feel empowered to practice medicine in a way that aligns with their values and the needs of their patients.

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