"Guarding the Gatekeepers": Suicides among Mental Health Professionals and Scope of Prevention, A Review. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banerjee, Debanjan; Varshney, Prateek; Vajawat, Bhavika
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 294(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Suicide -- suicidality -- mental health professional -- psychiatrists -- stigma -- prevention; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Literature is limited on the suicidal risk of mental health professionals (MHP) Professional burnout, self-stigma, therapeutic nihilism, chronic stress, disengagement and easy access to medicines increase the risk of suicidality The risk is higher in developing countries due to resource constraints, misinformation and stigma related to mental health Tailored interventions, mental health promotion and systematic research are warranted to understand the risks and prevent suicide in MHPs Abstract: Suicide is a social evil that is considered to be a global epidemic. Mental healthcare professionals (MHP) (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social work, etc.) are often involved as 'gatekeepers' in the management of suicidality and suicide prevention. Even though the risk of suicide in medical profession has received attention in research, there has been scarcity of literature related to the same in MHPs. They are not immune to the perils of psychological distress and its cascading consequences including suicide, contrary to the popular societal myths. The intrinsic and extrinsic pressures of the profession, persistent discourse in managing the psychological distress of others, professional burnout, self-stigma, societal apathy and easy access to psychotropics are certain factors making the MHPs more vulnerable. This disengagement and stress can contribute to depression, anxiety and complex trauma in the MHPs. The situation is furthermore compounded in developing countries with resource constraints, low MHP: patient ratio and inflexibility of work schedules. This makes tailored interventions, peer counselling, periodic mental health screenings and administrative understanding and accountability necessary at all levels. Keeping this in background, the review glances at the risk factors of suicide related to MHPs, highlights the problem statement and discusses the possible interventions.