Burnout Might Actually Be a Form of Depression
By now, most physicians are keenly aware that burnout is rampant in the medical profession.
Medscape's 2018 National Physician Burnout & Depression Report shows that it's not just burnout that's plaguing physicians; depression is a component, too—both colloquial depression (feeling "down") and clinical depression. More than 15,000 physicians in 29 specialties responded.
The report figures show that 42% of physicians overall reported burnout, and 15% reported depression of some kind. Twelve percent of physicians said they suffered from the colloquial form of depression, or "feeling down"; a small percentage (3%) said they suffered from clinical depression.
Some experts see a connection between burnout and depression. Often, clinically depressed physicians describe themselves as burned out rather than depressed, says Michael F. Myers, MD, a psychiatrist in Brooklyn, New York, who has been exclusively treating doctors and their families for 20 years. "It can be easier to admit to burnout because a lot of doctors have it," Dr Myers explains. "Burnout is almost a badge of honor."
 |
Note: In addition to the Burnout & Depression Report, Medscape has just published its 2018 Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Reportcovering such issues as happiness outside of work, spiritual and religious beliefs, marriage and divorce, exercise and weight, and alcohol consumption.
