Physician Mental Health: Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

In this chapter, the common and often comorbid illnesses of depression and anxiety in physicians throughout their professional trajectory are discussed, through a consolidated review of the literature and through a clinical lens. The epidemiology IS discussed in detail, as physicians are known to have elevated rates of depression and anxiety as compared to the general population, with particularly alarming differences during medical school and residency. Additionally, several unique features of these illnesses in the physician population are discussed, such as the psychological contributors, barriers lo accessing treatment, impact on the provision of healthcare, and impact on career satisfaction and quality of life. Next, the relevant developmental concerns related to physician depression and anxiety are discussed, particularly highlighting the high-risk period of medical training. And finally, treatment interventions that address physician depression and anxiety are explored, both at individual and programmatic levels, along with potential future directions for ongoing efforts to reduce the negative footprint that physician depression and anxiety otherwise have on this field and its practitioners. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)