Study Finds Higher Suicide Risk for Female Doctors

A new study published in the BMJ indicates that female doctors face a significantly higher risk of suicide—76% greater than that of the general population—despite an overall decline in suicide rates among physicians. The research, conducted by the University of Vienna and encompassing 39 studies from 20 nations, revealed that while male doctors do not have an increased risk compared to their male peers, they do have a higher suicide rate than other professionals with similar socio-economic status. Factors such as misogyny, bullying, and the gender pay gap have been cited as contributors to the elevated risk among female physicians. Estimates suggest that one doctor dies by suicide every day in the US and every ten days in the UK. The study emphasizes the urgent need for better mental health support and ongoing suicide prevention measures for physicians, particularly females. Experts advocate for increased awareness and workplace support as potential factors contributing to the recent decline in suicide rates among doctors.