Usually psychologists encourage patients to actively deal with their mental problems and treat them, but they themselves are not always as willing to deal with their own problems.
It is known that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects an average of 8-9% of the population, but among doctors this figure is higher. For example, PTSD develops in 11–18% of military medics and approximately 12% of emergency physicians. It is logical to assume that psychiatrists are also at risk, who have to regularly observe the consequences of severe mental disorders and inappropriate, and even dangerous, behavior of patients.
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Michael F. Myers, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at SUNY Medical Center in New York, MD, presented a paper titled “The Hidden Epidemic of PTSD Among Psychiatrists” at the American Psychiatric Association convention in Toronto.
In his report, Michael Myers argues that PTSD can develop in both inexperienced physicians still in training and experienced professionals. The problem begins in medical schools, where there is a certain culture of “hazing” towards students, which some believe helps to prepare them for the future hardships of medical practice, but such treatment can lead to psychological trauma and, in some cases, contribute to development of PTSD. Medical students also find themselves in potentially traumatic situations when they first experience severe illness, injury, and death of patients, especially when it comes to children and young people. Psychiatrists also have to observe manifestations of severe mental disorders.
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The timely diagnosis of PTSD in psychologists is hampered by the denial of the problem by the doctors themselves and society as a whole. To combat this problem, Michael Myers suggests changing the medical culture—in particular, helping medical students be better prepared for potentially shocking situations. Physicians who have been traumatized should be encouraged to seek help and begin therapy as soon as possible. We need to abandon the outdated notion that doctors are not susceptible to PTSD. It is important for physician colleagues to accept the fact that individual manifestations of symptoms may remain after treatment, and this should be treated with understanding.
For a psychologist who is about to treat his own colleague for PTSD, it is important to first understand whether the patient is ready to accept the possibility of such a diagnosis. It is also necessary to clarify how the manifestations of the disorder interfere with professional activities.
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Referring to the psychologists themselves, Michael Myers recalls the principle “Physician, heal thyself.” He suggests that doctors who suspect they have symptoms of PTSD should seek the help of a colleague, and emphasizes that such a disorder does not mean the end of a career. On the contrary, treatment can help the doctor to continue to perform his professional duties effectively.
Подробнее см. Michael F. Myers «PTSD in Psychiatrists: A Hidden Epidemic», American Psychiatric Association (APA) 168th Annual Meeting, May 2015.