The “Medscape Physicians and Suicide Report 2025” surveyed 5,741 physicians across more than 29 specialties between July 1 and Oct. 2, 2024.
Here are six things to know:
1. One in 6 physicians have contemplated or attempted suicide. The rate of contemplated suicide has risen from 9% in 2022 and 2023 to 15% in 2024.
2. About 38% said they knew one or more fellow physicians who had attempted or thought about suicide.
3. Of physicians, 21% indicated they knew at least one person in medical support staff and 9% said they knew of at least one person among administrators who had contemplated suicide.
4. Among physicians, 57% said physician suicide was a significant issue in the profession.
5. Here are the top reasons physicians said they did not seek professional help with their suicidal thoughts.
- Can deal with this without help from a professional — 49%
- Don’t want to risk disclosure to medical board — 41%
- Concerned about it being on their insurance record — 30%
- Other reasons — 26%
- Concerned about their colleagues finding out — 24%
- Don’t trust mental health professionals — 11%
6. The majority of physicians also indicated that the profession was not well involved in suicide prevention.
