BACKGROUND: Depression is common in the Australian community. Doctors are not immune to depression and in fact are at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: To discuss specific issues for depressed doctors, barriers to appropriate care and treatment and prevention strategies. DISCUSSION: Doctors have specific risks for depression related to personality traits, coping styles and work stresses. The stigma of mental illness affects doctors as much as other members of the community. Appropriate self care, cultural change within the medical profession, training for doctors in the care of other doctors and health promotion strategies are required.
BACKGROUND:Depression is common in the Australian community. Doctors are not immune to depression and in fact are at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: To discuss specific issues for depressed doctors, barriers to appropriate care and treatment and prevention strategies. DISCUSSION: Doctors have specific risks for depression related to personality traits, coping styles and work stresses. The stigma of mental illness affects doctors as much as other members of the community. Appropriate self care, cultural change within the medical profession, training for doctors in the care of other doctors and health promotion strategies are required.
Authors: Fiona Fox; Michael Harris; Gordon Taylor; Karen Rodham; Jane Sutton; Brian Robinson; Jenny Scott Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2009-11 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Edgar Voltmer; Ulf Kieschke; David L B Schwappach; Michael Wirsching; Claudia Spahn Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2008-10-02 Impact factor: 2.463