2302 – Physicians’ Professional And Personal Experience, Basic Knowledge Of And Attitudes To Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

Physicians are well known to confront with suicidal behavior (SB) of their patients frequently in their practice. Suicide risk is higher among doctors in comparison with other professional groups.

Aims

To evaluate basic knowledge of physicians about suicide; frequency of suicide events (SE) within their professional practice and personal history; influence of specialty on physicians’ basic knowledge of SB, attitudes to it and frequency of SE.

Method

The questionnaire “Specialist's attitudes to suicide” (developed by authors) has been proposed anonymously to the group of physicians.

Results

425 copies of questionnaire have been filled (male, N=179, 42.1%). More than 70% of respondents considered suicide to be the consequence of mental disorder. Less than 30% agreed that not only psychiatrists are to be responsible for suicide prevention. 58% has reported the experience of patient's suicide and 67% - of parasuicide in their practice. Over 80% mentioned an emotional influence of suicidal act. Over 15% survive the suicide of their relative or intimate. About 37% of doctors had suicidal thoughts and 8% have reported an act of deliberate self-harm ever in their life. The level of knowledge regarding managing of depressed patients has turned to be unsatisfactory. Psychiatrists were more sensitive in perception of SB of their patients and have reported their own suicidal ideation more frequently than other specialists.

Conclusion

The educational programs in the field of depression detection and suicide risk evaluation are needed for physicians. Besides, physicians need psychotherapeutic and psychiatric assistance much more widely than is considered to be.