Professional stress among psychiatrists–a Delphi study

Abstract

Introduction

Professional stress is a misfit between a person's skills and demands of the job. It has been found to be common among psychiatrists and affects their personal and professional life.

Objectives

To rank order the factors and manifestations of professional stress among Indian psychiatrists.

Aims

To determine the factors and manifestations associated with professional stress among Indian psychiatrists.

Methods

A qualitative ranking type Delphi study was conducted at National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore. The Delphi team comprised of 43 randomly selected Indian psychiatrists with at least 10 years of clinical experience in psychiatry. Questionnaires were mailed & the replies were analyzed and a consolidated list was sent back to rank order them. Agreeability was assessed & the final list of factors and manifestations was shared with the experts.

Results

Forty-eight percent of the experts completed all 3 stages of the study, 53% opined that age & gender were not a factor; however 58% & 44% opined that personality attributes & relationship status were significant factors contributing to professional stress (Table 1).

Conclusion

Professional stress in Indian psychiatrists is largely secondary to increased workload and inadequate support system. System level changes, like increase in manpower and handling stigma regarding psychiatry, is required.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Table 1 Top 3 factors & manifestations associated with professional stress.