Suicide in Young Doctors

Abstract

Fifty-five cases of suicide by doctors under the age of 40 were studied because of concern about deaths among anaesthetists in training. The excess mortality of doctors from suicide was confirmed, suggesting that risk factors associated with being a member of the medical profession continue to operate, although mortality for young male doctors from accidental poisoning is falling. Analysis of the branches of medicine in which the doctors were working showed no definite specialty predominance. There was a somewhat greater risk for women doctors born overseas.