AUTHOR=Kakarala Sophia E. , Prigerson Holly G. 

TITLE=Covid-19 and Increased Risk of Physician Suicide: A Call to Detoxify the U.S. Medical System

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.791752

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2022.791752

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Suicide among physicians is a longstanding problem, with risk factors exacerbated in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.  In this article, we explore suicidal thoughts and behaviors among physicians and risk factors created or intensified by the work environment, such as overwork and loss of autonomy. We discuss ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has made the physician work environment more stressful and, consequently, elevated physician suicide risk (e.g., greater exposure to traumatic experiences and employment insecurity). We also review evidence that the medical system in the United States has not adequately protected physicians’ mental health. Lack of confidentiality, stigma, cost, and time, as well as intrusive medical licensing applications, remain barriers to physicians seeking help.  Work pressures imposed by insurance companies and financial incentives to increase revenue while cutting costs compound physicians’ work stress. We conclude that system-wide changes to the practice of medicine and policies regarding healthcare delivery, are needed to improve physicians’ working environments.  These changes, and greater access to timely and confidential mental health services in the aftermath of the pandemic, may prove promising approaches to reduce physicians’ suicide risk.