@article{ref1,
title="Suicide by patients: questionnaire study of its effect on consultant psychiatrists",
journal="British medical journal: BMJ",
year="2000",
author="Alexander, D. A. and Klein, S. and Gray, N. M. and Dewar, I. G. and Eagles, J. M.",
volume="320",
number="7249",
pages="1571-1574",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of patients' suicide on consultant psychiatrists in Scotland. <br><br>DESIGN: Confidential coded postal questionnaire survey. PARTICIPANTS: Of 315 eligible consultant psychiatrists, 247 (78%) contributed. SETTING: Scotland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Experience of patient suicide; the features and impact of &quot;most distressing&quot; suicide and what helped them to deal with it. <br><br>RESULTS: 167 (68%) consultants had had a patient commit suicide under their care. Fifty four (33%) reported being affected personally in terms of low mood, poor sleep, or irritability. Changes in professional practice were described by 69 (42%) of the psychiatrists-for example, a more structured approach to the management of patients at risk and increased use of mental health legislation. Twenty four (15%) doctors considered taking early retirement because of a patient's suicide. Colleagues and family or friends were the best sources of help, and team and critical incident reviews were also useful. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Suicide by patients has a substantial emotional and professional effect on consultant psychiatrists. Support from colleagues is helpful, and professional reviews provide opportunities for learning and improved management of suicide and its aftermath.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0959-8138",
doi="10.1136/bmj.320.7249.1571",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7249.1571"
}