Suicidal behavior among physicians referred for fitness-for-duty evaluation

Objective: We compared fitness-for-duty assessment findings of physicians who subsequently engaged in suicidal behavior and those who did not.

Method: Assessments of 141 physicians evaluated at the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Assessment Program were retrospectively compared between those who later either attempted (n = 2) or completed (n = 5) suicide versus the remainder of the sample.

Results: Subsequent suicidal behaviors were associated with being found unfit to practice (86% vs. 31%, P < .05), being in solo practice (71% vs. 33%) and chronically using benzodiazepines (57% vs. 11%, Fisher's Exact Test, P < .05).

Conclusion: Being found unfit for practice may trigger a cascade of adverse social and financial consequences. Those engaged in solo practice may be particularly vulnerable due to isolation and lack of oversight by supportive colleagues. Finally, chronic benzodiazepine use may impair resilience due to associated brain dysfunction. Although these characteristics must be investigated prospectively, our observations suggest that they may be important signals of increased risk for suicidal behavior in physicians. The intense stress associated with medical practice and the relatively high rates of suicidal behavior among physicians make it important to be able to identify physicians who are at risk, so that appropriate preventive actions can be taken.