Fifty-two medical student suicides

Abstract

All USA medical schools were surveyed to ascertain the frequency with which medical students attempt suicide, complete suicide and seek psychiatric treatment. In the classes of 1974-1981 the annual suicide rate for male students was 15.6/100,000, which is comparable to their agemates in the national population. The rate for female students equaled that of the male students but was 3-4 times that of their agemates. Of the suicides, 76% were committed by sophomore and junior students, and 50% were committed in Nov., Dec. or Jan. Four steps schools can take in suicide prevention were discussed.