If a patient dies by suicide: A Resource for Psychiatrists
This guide was developed following a survey of psychiatrists who had experienced the death of a patient by suicide (Gibbons et al. 2019), from a review of the limited research literature in this area and from personal experiences. It is aimed at psychiatrists of all levels, from trainees to experienced consultants. Its purpose is to provide information about a difficult topic that psychiatrists often avoid discussing, to reduce a sense of isolation, and to help sychiatrists cope at what is likely to be a very difficult time. Quotes from psychiatrists who have experienced the death of a patient by suicide and have contributed to the survey are used to illustrate personal experiences.