Suicide of a Patient: Gender Differences in Bereavement Reactions of Therapists

Emotional reactions of therapists who experienced the death by suicide of one or more of their patients were investigated. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing both objective and open-ended items from 27 men and 36 women, psychiatrists and psychologists, working in psychiatric hospitals in Slovenia. The most frequently reported reactions by the therapists were of increased caution in the treatment of their patients and an increase in conferring with colleagues, partners, and supervisors. About two thirds reported experiencing strong guilt feelings along with other commonly reported survivor feelings of grief, depression, and loss. Gender differences were apparent (women more often felt shame and guilt, sought consolation, or doubted their professional knowledge). No significant differences appeared between disciplines and years of work experience. Agreement was general that support was important both professionally and personally. Suggestions are offered to help the therapist work through the trauma of a patient's suicide.