Citation

Toffol E, Pilotto E, Scocco P. Riv. Psichiatr. 2011; 46(3): 203-207.

Vernacular Title

Reazione emotiva dello psichiatra al suicidio di un paziente: una serie di casi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore)

DOI

10.1708/889.9811

PMID

21779101

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study is to describe the emotional reactions experienced by a group of psychiatrists following the suicidal death of a patient. Methods. The study was carried out between February 2005 and January 2006 within the Mental Health Department of Padova. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to the reference psychiatrist at least two weeks after the suicide of a patient. The aim of the tool was to assess emotional reaction when told about the suicide and when filling in the questionnaire. Results. All the interviewed psychiatrists (n = 11) reported emotions, mostly self-doubt, sadness, disbelief, guilt, fear, shock and helplessness. Some differences were found between residents and consultant psychiatrists. Of the 11 psychiatrists, 7 did not blame anyone for their patient's death, and 6 of them judged the suicide to have been unpreventable. All the therapists sought conversation about the event; a team case review was conducted in 8 cases. Discussion. A patient's suicide is a significant event in a psychiatrist's professional life, particularly among resident psychiatrists. The emotional process only partly overlaps the usual grief process. Discussions with peer/senior colleagues and team case reviews are helpful tools in the grief process of psychiatrists and should become part of the working practice of every Mental Health Department.

Language: it