A new study has revealed that nearly 8% of Moroccan psychiatrists have attempted suicide at least once in their lifetime. Conducted in August 2023 by psychiatrists Mohammed Barrimi and Kaoutar El Mir, the research is described by its authors as the first of its kind in Morocco. The online survey included 142 psychiatrists working in both public and private sectors. It found that 7.7% reported at least one suicide attempt. The study identified several risk factors linked to these attempts: a personal history of depression or anxiety, high levels of perceived stress, the use of psychoactive substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or anxiolytics, as well as a family history of psychiatric disorders or suicide. Most respondents were women (63.7%), with an average age of 44. The majority worked in the public sector (59.2%). The survey had a 40% response rate, representing a workforce that totals only around 418 psychiatrists nationwide, roughly one psychiatrist per 100,000 people. «Despite the lack of official data on suicide attempts among Moroccan psychiatrists, it is crucial to recognize this problem and conduct in-depth research to understand its prevalence and associated factors», the researchers noted. They warn that suicide attempts are not only a personal tragedy but also impact families, colleagues, and the quality of care provided to patients. They call for urgent measures: improving working conditions, offering stronger mental health support, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of self-care in the profession. At a global level, the study highlights that psychiatrists face a significantly higher suicide risk than other doctors, with rates up to five times higher. International research points to self-poisoning and hanging as the most common methods.
