Thursday, May 19, 2011

More Suicides Among Surgeons Aged 45 and Older

On April 4 I tweeted: Depression and suicide among physicians — Current Psychiatry Online http://t.co/yZ9q4Yk

Now a new article on the website of Physician's Weekly reports on a recent study from the Archives of Surgery

The members of the American College of Surgeons were sent an anonymous cross-sectional survey in June 2008. The survey included questions regarding SI and use of mental health resources, a validated depression screening tool, and standardized assessments of burnout and quality of life.

“We know the lifetime risk of depression among physicians is similar to that of the general population, which suggests factors other than depression may be contributing to increased risk of suicide among physicians,” Tait D. Shanafelt, MD, tells Physician’s Weekly. “The influence of professional characteristics in forms of distress and depression, such as burnout, has been largely unexplored.”

Physician's Weekly reported that "According to Dr. Shanafelt, in addition to burnout, there appear to be occupational risks for having suicidal thoughts: A three-fold increased risk for suicidal thoughts was reported for surgeons who made a recent major medical error."

1 comment:

  1. The Center for Peer Review Justice has always answered it's phone 24-7 --- days, eves, and overnight. Even on Weekends for urgent calls. It is limited to technical problems and my exhaustion when I just can't hear the phone. But, I am pretty good about it. LOL

    Surgeons and Physicians are no difffent than others. They suffer depression, burnout, grief especially when faced with catastrophic loss. Privs, State Board grief, and the like.

    When one can't go one, dial 10 digits and lets talk. Give me a moment to caffinate and then let me listen.

    AND THERE IS HOPE!!! HOPE!!! I have been working at Peer Review Fraud ( Sham peer review) for 11 years with a wonderful network of guys and we have developed innovative ways to stay in the O.R.

    Our number is 504-621-1670. I am a volunteer. There are no grants. I am not a mental health professional. I am just a friend.

    Richard Willner

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