Citation

Welton RS, Blackman LR. Mil. Med. 2006; 171(9): 844-848.

Affiliation

88th Medical Operations Squadron, Life Skills Support Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17036604

Abstract

Although suicide is relatively common among mental health patients, few studies have been published detailing the effects of a patient's suicide on his or her mental health provider. We reviewed data from 97 active duty, Air Force, mental health providers who responded to an anonymous survey. Forty-eight percent of the providers had experienced a patient's suicide. One-third of them reported a sense of responsibility for that patient's death. More than 20% reported significant emotional or behavioral changes following the death. Many providers experienced alterations in their self-esteem and their use of peer consultation following the suicide. Speaking to clergy members, friends, and other providers was generally beneficial following the suicide of a patient. Recommendations are given to minimize the impact of this tragedy on providers.

Language: en