psychiatrists are the most vulnerable to psychological disorders

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Psychiatrists most vulnerable to psychiatric illnesses

http://thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx?dtlid=197287 & catid=2

Associated Press of Pakistan

KARACHI: Among doctors, psychiatrists are the most vulnerable to psychological disorders which often aggravates as concerned professionals resort to "self treatment."Prof Amin A Gadit, a researcher cum psychiatrist associated with Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, in his presentation at the 35th All Pakistan Science Conference here on Saturday said depression leading to suicide is also quite high among psychiatrists."Dealing with the psychiatric patients become a serious issue," he said mentioning that number of psychiatrists develop serious mental illness and either leave or continue practice. The trend, he said is almost universal and personality test or assessment and back ground checks are recommended for medical graduates intending to specialize in psychiatry.In his presentation "When the Mental Health of Psychiatrist is in Jeopardy: Can the Mental Health System Sail Smoothly." the researcher said "self treatment" among psychiatrists was mainly due to fear of dismissal, loss of hospital privileges, ego and esteem.Stigma associated to psychiatric illnesses was also a major factor preventing many of the psychiatrists to seek proper support, said Prof Gadit. He at the very onset of his presentation said mental illnesses have acquired an alarming proportion all over the world and no one is immune to the condition that carries a high level of morbidity and mortality.The study conducted by him to assess prevalence of mental illnesses among psychiatrists found depression (four percent), substance abuse (nine percent), psychosis (one percent), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (three percent) and others (nine percent). "I strongly recommend specialized facilities for treatment of mental health practitioners," Prof. Gadit said.The researcher identified stress as the triggering factor among psychiatrists and urged professional bodies and policy makers to remember that health system may suffer because of mental illnesses among psychiatrists.Absenteeism, unavailability or inefficient services, medical errors do, at times, lead to legal complications too, he said. Prof Gadit suggested improved role of selection committees for vulnerable individuals.