Suicide in psychiatric hospital: strategy for prevention of psychiatric disadaptation among medical staff

The article provides data about patient suicide as one of the strongest professional and personal stress in career of the psychiatry service staff. Acute, sub-acute and delayed psychological and psychiatric consequences leading to mental misadaptation of medical staff are described and potentiating factors are underlined. Specifics of work with medical staff in crisis situation are described. Factors determining reaction of medical personnel on patient suicide and risk groups for misadaptation are distinguished. Strategies for prevention of mental misadaptation among medical staff at individual and group levels are introduced. Author recommends creation of standards for execution and registration of medical personnel actions in emergent situations (suicide attempts, completed suicide etc.) and protocols for reporting of those cases.