BackgroundHigher rates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk have been reported for veterinarians in various studies worldwide. This study investigates whether this is also true for German veterinarians.MethodsA total of 3.118 veterinarians (78.8 per cent female, mean age 41.3 years) between 22 and 69 years were included and compared with two general population samples of the same age range using the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised and Patient Health Questionnaire.ResultsCurrent suicidal ideation was found in 19.2 per cent of veterinarians, compared with only 5.7 per cent in the general population. 32.11 per cent of veterinarians were classified with increased suicide risk, compared with 6.62 per cent in the general population. 27.78 per cent of veterinarians screened positive for depression, compared with 3.99 per cent of the general population.ConclusionThe study shows that veterinarians have an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation and suicide risk compared with the general population in Germany. Similar to previous findings, the level of depression was higher among veterinarians than in the general population. However, this study does not explore causes for higher rates in depression, suicide risk and suicidal ideation. Since other studies strongly suggest specific risk factors lead to higher suicide risk and consequently elevated numbers of completed suicides, future research should focus on identifying and preventing causes.

Abstract. Background: The elevated risk of suicide in veterinarians is still not well understood, but euthanasia distress and increased fearlessness about death (FAD) have been discussed as specific risk factors. Aims: We investigated German veterinarians to test whether FAD is increased compared with the general population, whether FAD is associated with euthanasia distress, and whether there are differences between different fields in veterinary medicine. Methods: German veterinarians were assessed via self-report instruments and compared with a representative general population sample. There was no difference in FAD. Lower euthanasia distress was significantly associated with higher FAD. Limitations: Although we were able to recruit a large sample of veterinarians, the generalizability is limited by the voluntary nature of participation and the related risk of bias. Results: There was no difference in FAD. Lower euthanasia distress was significantly associated with higher FAD. Conclusion: Although lower euthanasia distress as an indicator of habituation to euthanasia is associated with higher FAD, one cannot assume that increased FAD in veterinarians is a specific risk factor for suicidality in veterinarians.