Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health System researchers found physicians are unlikely to share mental health issues because of the associated stigma and potential medical licensing restrictions, according to ScienceDaily. Many states mandate physicians disclose any mental diagnosis to the state medical licensing board, which may result in restrictions on their medical licenses.
The researchers surveyed more than 2,100 female physicians who are mothers, through a closed Facebook group serving as a networking space for more than 57,000 physicians who are mothers.
General Hospital Psychiatry published the study.
Here are five observations:
1. Of those surveyed, more than half of the physicians said they think they had "met the definition for mental illness" at least once during their careers, but didn't receive treatment.
2. Two-thirds of the physicians said they didn't share their symptoms because of the associated stigma.
3. Many of those surveyed who were diagnosed with a mental illness said they believed they could handle their situation on their own. This included writing their own prescriptions or paying cash to eliminate the need for insurance records.
4. A mere 6 percent of those diagnosed with a mental illness told their state licensing board.
5. Lead researcher, Katherine Gold, MD, of University of Michigan Medical School, said, "Medical schools, hospitals, physician groups and medical professional societies need to do more to help trainees and physicians understand that mental health symptoms can occur in anyone, especially in medicine which encourages high standards and perfection."
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