Review of literature on the mental health of doctors: Are specialist services needed?
- 28 January 2011
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Journal of Mental Health
- Vol. 20 (2), 146-156
- https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2010.541300
Abstract
Background. Mental ill health is common among doctors. Fast, efficient diagnosis and treatment are needed as mentally ill doctors pose a safety risk to the public, yet they are often reluctant to seek help. Aims. To review literature regarding risk factors and potential barriers to help-seeking unique to doctors; to consider the success of interventions by specialist services for doctors. Method: Key phrases regarding the ‘mental health of doctors’ were entered into internet searches and journal databases to identify relevant research. When key authors were identified, author-specific searches were carried out. Findings. There are contradictory reports about the prevalence of mental ill health in doctors but it is generally agreed that doctors face a large number of risk factors, both occupational and individual; and help-seeking is difficult due to complexities surrounding a doctor becoming a patient. Specialist services developed specifically for interventions for doctors with mental health problems tend to show promising results but further research is needed. Conclusions. The unique and complex situation of a doctor becoming a patient benefits from specialist services; such services should focus on early intervention and raising awareness.Keywords
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