Abstract

Background: Suicide among healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses, has emerged as a major concern both for forensic experts and public health professionals.1 The emotionally taxing nature of their roles, exposure to trauma, easy access to lethal substances, and high workload contribute to an increased risk of suicide. Aim: To explore the forensic aspects, patterns, and medico-legal implications of suicide among healthcare workers and evaluate the role of forensic investigations in identifying causes and occupational linkages. Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence and occupational risk factors for suicide in healthcare professionals. 2. To review forensic pathology and autopsy findings in these cases. 3. To evaluate medico-legal protocols and recommend preventive strategies. Material: An integrative review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and other indexed databases covering forensic case reports, autopsy studies, psychological autopsy data, and medico-legal investigations from 2010 to 2024. Author’ Result: The analysis indicates that suicide in healthcare professionals is underreported due to stigma and institutional concerns. Common methods include medication overdose (35%), hanging (30%), and self-poisoning (15%). Forensic investigations frequently show usage of hospital medications or familiarity with lethal procedures. Mental health histories often reveal untreated depression, burnout, or anxiety, all exacerbated by occupational pressures.2,6,7 Conclusion: Understanding the forensic and medico-legal dimensions of suicides in healthcare workers is vital for prevention and legal accountability. Forensic pathologists play a key role in establishing occupational causes, ruling out negligence or foul play, and supporting institutional reforms.3,10

• 1.   Hawton K, Agerbo E, Simkin S, et al. Risk of suicide in medical and related occupational groups: a national study. Psychol Med. 2011;41(6):1233–1240.105 IJFMP/Volume 19 Number 1 January–March 2026
• 2.   Shanafelt TD, Boone S, Tan L, et al. Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physicians. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(18):1377– 1385.
• 3.   Dutheil F, Aubert C, Pereira B, et al. Suicide among physicians and health-care workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019;14(12):e0226361.
• 4.   Gold KJ, Sen A, Schwenk TL. Details on suicide among US physicians: Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2013;35(1):45–49.
• 5.   Milner A, Witt K, Maheen H, et al. Access to means of suicide, occupation, and the risk of suicide: A national study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2017;51(3):235–242.
• 6.   Davidson JE, Zisook S, Proudfoot J, et al. A longitudinal analysis of nurse suicide in the United States (2005–2016). J Nurs Adm. 2020;50(5):287–292.
• 7.   Monteith LL, Bahraini NH, Matarazzo BB, et al. Perceptions of institutional betrayal and mental health functioning among veterans with military sexual trauma. Psychol Serv. 2016;13(3):273–280.
• 8.   Brooks SK, Chalder T, Gerada C. Doctors vulnerable to psychological distress and suicidal ideation: a cross-sectional study of medical students and newly qualified doctors in the UK. BMJ Open. 2021;11(1):e042797.
• 9.   Shah A, Garland R, Katz C. Suicide among physicians and other health care workers: A review and commentary. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2020;208(7):559–563.
• 10.   Saini S, Sharma S, Khurana D, et al. Forensic aspects of suicide by overdose in Indian hospital staff: A retrospective review. Indian J Forensic Med Pathol. 2022;15(3):101–107

Data Sharing Statement

Funding