Physicians suffer from the same emotional problems as the rest of the community. However some of the personality traits we find desirable in physicians make them especailly vulnerable to suicide. Physicians commit suicide at a much higher rate than the population in general. Many studies suggest that physicians are twice as likely to commit suicide. Women physicians are even more vulnerable, and their risk may be four times that of the rest of the community.
Each year in the United States almost 400 physicians commit suicide. Almost one in 10 men, and one in five women, may suffer from depression. Many are inadequately treated. Suicide is often the result of untreated depression.
Physicians are often reluctant to ask for help, especially psychotherapy. Sometime they try to treat themselves. They often feel embarrassed to admit that they are unhealthy in any way, and fear that their peers are unsympathetic. Not all physicians are equally at risk. anesthesiologists, general practitioners, and psychiatrists have a significantly higher rate of suicide than general hospital doctors.
Sometimes a good marriage can help reduce emotional stress. Unfortunately medical marriages often suffer from the need for physicians to postpone normal life activities during extensive training.
Physicians are often perfectionists. The public likes this, but it makes doctors vulnerable to a number of emotional problems, especially depression. Along with perfectionism many physicians have a driven quality, and this is often associated with other traits such as rigidity, stubbornness, and a sense of loneliness.
The outcome for physicians is often a sense of self-doubt, and guilt, because they feel personally responsible for everything that happens to their patients. Physicians often feel that they are only valued if they are “good enough.”
Some physicians feel uncomfortable treating other doctors. Dr. Hudson does not, he has worked as a physician for almost 40 years. He has experienced all the stresses and strains of medical practice, and has a special interest in helping physicians deal with the difficulties of their work, and relationships.
For more information go to abqmd-psychotherapy.com