Suicide in veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia: 2001-2012

BackgroundWhether veterinarians have an elevated suicide rate compared with the general population is controversial. MethodsReported cases of suicide among veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia over the period 2001 to 2012 were investigated in a retrospective case-series study. ResultsThe standardised mortality ratio of veterinarians (n=18) was 1.92 (95% CI 1.14-3.03) and that of veterinary nurses (n=7) to the general population was 1.24 (95% CI 0.80-1.85). Overdosing on drugs (pentobarbitone) was the main method of suicide in these occupations. ConclusionThe reasons for veterinary suicides are likely to be multifactorial, including work- and life-related stressors, and individual characteristics. This research highlights the need for targeted suicide prevention and intervention for veterinarians.