September 16, 2025Open Access

Physician’s Suicidal Behaviours in Europe: Thoughts and Beliefs of Trainees and Early Career Psychiatrists

Key Points

The survey analysis shows 69% of respondents are female, highlighting significant representation in the study.
64.4% of participants are specialists, indicating diverse perspectives among young physicians on suicide causes.
The survey aims to address the stigmatized issue of physician suicides, providing critical insights for future interventions.
Data is being collected over a six-month timeline, allowing a comprehensive understanding of trainees' views on physician suicides.

Abstract

Introduction The rising rate of suicides among physicians is a critical and concerning issue that has not garnered enough attention. Personal, social, economic factors and working conditions are complicating this problem and a holistic approach is required to work towards a solution. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the views of psychiatry residents and young psychiatrists working in EPA member countries on the causes, consequences and solutions of physician suicides. Methods Under the umbrella of EPA Suicide Prevention and Suicidology Section, a 24-question survey regarding thoughts and beliefs on physicians’s suicide was developed by a group of young researchers participating in EPA Summer School 2023. The questionnaire was disseminated through EPA Early Career Psychiatrists (ECP), European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) email groups, communication platforms for sub-working units, and various national psychiatric associations via their email and social media channels. The goal is to collect data over at least six months. Preliminary results will be shared with participants at the EPA 2025 Congress. Results When the initial data is analysed, it is seen that 160 people answered the questionnaire. 69% of the participants were female, 29.4% were male, 1.2% preferred not to say. The proportion of specialists was 64.4% and 35.6% of residents. Detailed responses to the questionnaire and the suggestions of the participants will be shared in detail with the congress participants in the presentation. Conclusions This study aims to explore the perspectives of residents and early-career specialists on an issue that is stigmatized within the medical community and often avoided in open discussions. Understanding how young physicians perceive and evaluate this issue amidst increasingly challenging living and working conditions will provide valuable insights, guiding future interventions aimed at addressing and mitigating this burden. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Physician’s Suicidal Behaviours in Europe: Thoughts and Beliefs of Trainees and Early Career Psychiatrists

Key Points

Abstract

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