Factors known to increase the suicide rate are colliding in “a perfect storm” in the COVID-19 pandemic, say psychologists, who warn health professionals are at particular risk.

In a viewpoint article in JAMA Psychiatry, the three leading suicide researchers call for support and prevention measures, given that healthcare staff have a higher than average suicide rate at the best of times.

“This at-risk group is now serving in the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19,” write the authors, including Associate Professor Mark Reger, from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington, Seattle.

“A national discussion is emerging about healthcare workers’ concerns about infection, exposure of family members, sick colleagues, shortages of necessary personal protective equipment, overwhelmed facilities, and work stress.”