Abstract
Background & Aims: Patient suicide, an unpredictable experience in a psychiatrist’s career, precipitates a wide range of emotions. Trainees in the earlier part of their career may be affected differently than the practicing psychiatrists. Our objective was to assess the variety of coping strategies and support systems of psychiatrists and trainees in the aftermath of patient suicide.
Methods: Assessing coping mechanisms and support measures were part of a preliminary study on stress and trauma-related symptoms in psychiatrists and trainees. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained by sending an online survey to randomly selected residency/fellowship programs and practicing psychiatrists across the United States. The Brief COPE inventory measured various coping strategies, and self-reported questionnaires assessed support measures.
Results: Among 2/3 of the participants (N= 509) who experienced patient suicide, to cope with the trauma, the majority (>80%) used acceptance, followed by emotional and instrumental support, reframing, planning, active coping, religious help, self-blame, and distraction. A significantly higher proportion (p< 0.05) of trainees tried behavioral disengagement, positive reframing, and denial as major coping strategies. Both groups derived the most support from colleagues, family, and friends. Likely due to imminent availability, a higher number of trainees benefited from their supervisors and psychiatrists from family.
Conclusions: Creating a safe and reliable supportive environment in institutions, preparing clinicians for pre- and post-event consequences, and providing training through a structured curriculum may help future generations maximize coping strategies following patient suicide.