Patient Suicide: Occupational Hazard for Psychologists and Psychiatrists

The authors compared the frequency & impact of patient suicide among psychologists & psychiatrists. 22% of psychologists & 51% of psychiatrists reported having experienced patient suicide. Both groups reported significant disruptions in their professional & personal lives after patient suicide. Work setting, kind of patient treated & profession were most strongly associated with patient suicide. The authors argue that patient suicide is an occupational hazard for psychologists & psychiatrists.