Citation

Swanson SP, Roberts LJ, Chapman MD. Anaesth. Intensive Care 2003; 31(4): 434-445.

Affiliation

Department of Anaesthesia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, W.A. 6009.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Australian Society of Anaesthetists, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15957736

Abstract

Suicide represents a major source of mortality in Western countries. There is an emerging literature about suicide and the medical profession. The suicide of an anaesthetist represents a catastrophic event, with painful consequences for family, colleagues and the community at large. This review will examine the literature regarding suicide amongst anaesthetists and trainees in the field. It is presented in three sections. First, it provides an overview of existing epidemiological data, comparing rates in the general population, the medical profession, in general, and in anaesthesia, in particular. Second, risk factors that may account for differences in rates will be discussed. Finally, a series of recommendations has been formulated.

Language: en