Exploring the impact of work-related potential traumatic events among Dutch psychiatrists. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scheepstra, K.W.F.; van Lent, E.M.; Lok, A.; Olff, M.; van Pampus, M.G.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 288(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: This survey implies that psychiatrists frequently experience work-related PTEs (78.4%), often with a significant emotional impact. Verbal aggression, physical violence or completed suicide are the most common work-related PTEs. Most reported posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms were hyperarousal, sleeping difficulties and intrusive thoughts. The majority of Dutch (resident) psychiatrists learned coping styles while working as a physician, intervision groups (e.g. Balint) and/or learning therapy. Abstract: Psychiatrists are frequently exposed to work-related potential traumatic events (PTEs). A survey was sent to the members of the Dutch Society of Psychiatrists of which 250 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. At least one work-related PTE was reported by 196 (78.4%) of the respondents, of which 177 described the PTE. Witnessing or experiencing verbal aggression (29.2%), physical violence (29.2%) or completed suicide (26.8%) were the most common PTEs. This survey implies that psychiatrists frequently experience work-related PTEs, often with a significant emotional impact. The majority of respondents considered current support as insufficient.