Increased suicide mortality among women in health professions

For the first time, a team led by Claudia Zimmermann from MedUni Vienna's Centre for Public Health examined the suicide risk among members of several Austrian healthcare professions and other highly skilled professions compared with the general population. The results show that the suicide risk among male doctors, tax consultants/auditors is significantly lower than in the general population, while an increased suicide risk was found in the case of female doctors, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists. The study demonstrates that increased awareness and specific suicide prevention measures in health professions can contribute to improving the situation. Some foreign studies indicate that people in health professions have a higher risk of suicide. However, the results are not consistent and vary in different countries. Research has also shown that highly qualified professions are affected less, which is attributed to higher income and levels of education. For the first time, a new study conducted at MedUni Vienna's Department of Epidemiology examined the suicide risk and the methods of members of several Austrian health professions (doctors, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists) and other highly skilled professions (notaries, tax consultants/auditors and lawyers) in comparison to the general population.