Confronting depression and suicide in physicians: a consensus statement.
OBJECTIVE
To encourage treatment of depression and prevention of suicide in physicians by calling for a shift in professional attitudes and institutional policies to support physicians seeking help.


METHODS
An American Foundation for Suicide Prevention planning group invited 15 experts on the subject to evaluate the state of knowledge about physician depression and suicide and barriers to treatment. The group assembled for a workshop held October 6-7, 2002, in Philadelphia, Pa.


METHODS
The planning group worked with each participant on a preworkshop literature review in an assigned area. Abstracts of presentations and key publications were distributed to participants before the workshop. After workshop presentations, participants were assigned to 1 of 2 breakout groups: (1) physicians in their role as patients and (2) medical institutions and professional organizations. The groups identified areas that required further research, barriers to treatment, and recommendations for reform.


METHODS
This consensus statement emerged from a plenary session during which each work group presented its recommendations. The consensus statement was circulated to and approved by all participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The culture of medicine accords low priority to physician mental health despite evidence of untreated mood disorders and an increased burden of suicide. Barriers to physicians' seeking help are often punitive, including discrimination in medical licensing, hospital privileges, and professional advancement. This consensus statement recommends transforming professional attitudes and changing institutional policies to encourage physicians to seek help. As barriers are removed and physicians confront depression and suicidality in their peers, they are more likely to recognize and treat these conditions in patients, including colleagues and medical students.
Center
Claudia
C
Employment Law Center and the University of California, Hastings College of Law, San Francisco, USA.
Davis
Miriam
M
Detre
Thomas
T
Ford
Daniel E
DE
Hansbrough
Wendy
W
Hendin
Herbert
H
Laszlo
John
J
Litts
David A
DA
Mann
John
J
Mansky
Peter A
PA
Michels
Robert
R
Miles
Steven H
SH
Proujansky
Roy
R
Reynolds
Charles F
CF
Silverman
Morton M
MM
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D018868:Insurance, Disability; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010815:Physician Impairment; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D000092864:Suicide Prevention