DIFFICULTIES OF DOCTORS AND ACADEMICS OF MEDICINE IN IDENTIFYING THE IDEATION AND RISK OF SUICIDE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Introducion: Suicide is a serious public health problem causing alarming numbers of deaths. Medical
students and physicians have difficulties in identifying suicide ideation and risk. Objective: The aim of
the present study was to carry out an integrative literature review in order to understand the difficulties
of physicians and medical students in identifying suicidal ideation and risk. Material and methods: A
search of the references was carried out in the CAPES Periodicals, Google Scholar and Pubmed
databases in October 2021. The search allowed the identification of fourteen articles that met the
established criteria. Results: From the data analysis, it was possible to verify that there is a deficit in
the training and inadequate professional preparation of physicians to deal with suicidal behavior;
curriculum and medical degrees focused on the biomedical model; beliefs, myths and prejudices
related to suicidal behavior; difficulty in identifying ideation and risk of suicide when individuals do not
verbalize what they are feeling. Conclusion: Therefore, it was possible to conclude that teaching about
self-extermination needs to be improved, including the theme in the curriculum at different times, such
as primary care, family health and psychiatry, using active methodologies and focusing on subjective
aspects of the human condition.