Suicidal ideation among medical students and young physicians: a nationwide and prospective study of prevalence and predictors

Background: Despite an increased risk of suicide among physicians Lye lack studies on prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideation among medical stu dents and young doctors. Method: A prospective study of Norwegian medical s tudents (n = 522) re-examined after the first postgraduate year. comprising suicidal thoughts and attempts, perceived study str ess, job stress, and p ersonality. Results: The previous year prevalence of suicidal thoughts was 14% at both points of time. The lifetime prevalence was 43%, while 8% had p lanned suicide, and 1.4% had attempted suicide. Suicidal ideation in medica l school was predicted by lack of control, personality trait, single marita l status, negative life events and mental distress (anxiety and depression) . In the first postgraduate year, mental distress was the most important pr edictor, but before controlling for this variable, job stress, vulnerabilit y (neuroticism), single status, and less working hours were independent pre dictors. Prospectively, suicidal thoughts and vulnerability as student pred icted postgraduate suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The level of suicidal th oughts was high, but 1the level of attempts was low. Clinical implications: Preventive efforts should be directed both at the students' abilities to c ope with stress and at mental health services for young doctors. Limitation s of study: The lower response rate at follow-up (57%) may reduce external validity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.