Am J Health Syst Pharm

Pharmacists face elevated suicide risk, study warns

January 16, 2026

An analysis of National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data from 2011 to 2022 found pharmacists had a 21% higher suicide risk than the general population, with male pharmacists at 25% greater risk. Female pharmacy technicians also faced a 22% increased risk compared with other women. Job-related stress was more common among pharmacists, while mental health problems were more frequent among technicians. Pharmacists were more likely to use poisoning as a suicide method.

Clinical takeaway: Screen for mental health concerns and job stress in pharmacy staff—especially male pharmacists and female technicians—and implement targeted prevention strategies.

Source:

Makhija H, et al. (2026, January 8). Am J Health Syst Pharm. National trends in pharmacist and pharmacy technician suicide: Incidence and associated features. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41502143/