The higher suicide rate among physicians is related to their free access to drugs & their medical knowledge. Physicians may also have a higher prevalence of depression than non-physicians; among female physicians, the risk may be exacerbated by sexual harassment. Being single & not having children has also been linked to an increased risk of suicide, & more female than male physicians are single or childless. Safeguards used to prevent suicide include the provision of discreet & confidential access to psychotherapy & open discussion of the stress encountered in a medical career. (LC) (5 refs)