Pharmacists face significantly elevated suicide risk compared to the general population, according to a study led by researchers from UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The findings, published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, reveal a 21% increase in the likelihood a pharmacist will die by suicide compared to the general population.
Differential Risk by Gender and Role
The suicide risk is especially elevated among male pharmacists, who have a 25% higher risk of suicide than men in the general population. Female pharmacists have comparable risk to women in the general population. Female pharmacy technicians, however, show a 22% higher risk of suicide than women in the general population, while pharmacy technicians overall had about a 14% lower risk of suicide than the general population.
The study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2011 to 2022. With 337,400 pharmacists working in the United States, according to a 2024 U.S. Census report, the elevated risk represents a significant occupational health concern.
Workplace Stress and Contributing Factors
Kelly Lee, a doctor of pharmacy and professor of clinical pharmacy at Skaggs, stated: “Pharmacists are an invisible workforce that drive the engine of medication delivery in every health care setting. Every medication that reaches a patient has been touched by a pharmacist and/or a pharmacy technician. These health care workers are under unique strains, but it can be difficult to seek help.”
The responsibilities of pharmacists have increased in recent years, including administering vaccines and managing ongoing health conditions, alongside navigating insurance red tape and medication payment issues. Lee noted broader workplace culture challenges: “The field talks a lot about mental health, especially after COVID, but our overall work culture hasn’t changed. Access to mental health resources is limited, and stigma continues to be a major barrier to seeking help. Pharmacists are highly trained, but unlike other health care providers, we’re not necessarily paid for our clinical services.”
Recommendations for Intervention
Researchers call for improved workplace policies, expanded mental health resources, and stigma reduction. Lee emphasized: “Employers must create environments where taking time for mental health is normalized and supported. It shouldn’t be difficult for someone to seek help.” The research team will focus on implementing targeted interventions for at-risk health care workers.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://timesofsandiego.com/health/2026/01/09/study-finds-pharmacists-21-more-likely-to-commit-suicide-stress-a-factor/