A physician burnout survey found an increase in burnout among US physicians from 42% in 2021 to 47% in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These and other organizational factors contribute to the stress experienced by physicians. Many describe themselves as feeling consumed by their work. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians (and the rest of the health care team) had to quickly learn how to conduct virtual office visits. Clerical responsibilities increased as patients relied more on patient portals and telephone calls to receive care.
Who is predisposed to burnout? Although burnout is a work-related syndrome, studies have shown an increase in burnout associated with individual (ie, personal) factors. For example, female physicians have been shown to have higher rates of burnout compared with male physicians.1,3 The stress of balancing the demands of the profession can begin during medical school and residency, with younger physicians having nearly twice the risk for stress-related symptoms when compared with older colleagues.15,20-23 Having a child younger than 21 years old, and other personal factors related to balancing family and life demands, increases the likelihood of burnout.11,21,22
Physicians with certain personality types and predispositions are at increased risk for burnout.23-25 For example, neuroticism on the Big Five Personality Inventory (one of the most well-known of the psychology inventories) is associated with an increased risk for burnout. Neuroticism may manifest as sadness or related emotional dysregulation (eg, irritability, anxiety).26 Other traits measured by the Big Five Personality Inventory include extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.26
Physicians who were depressed were more likely to experience burnout symptoms (87.5%); however, only 26.2% of physicians experiencing burnout were diagnosed as having depression.
A history of depression is also associated with an increased risk for burnout.27 Although depression and burnout are separate conditions, a 2016 study found significant overlap between the two.27 Physicians in this study who were depressed were more likely to experience burnout symptoms (87.5%); however, only 26.2% of physicians experiencing burnout were diagnosed as having depression.27 Rates of depression are higher among physicians when compared with nonphysicians, yet physicians are less likely to seek help due to fear of stigma and potential licensing concerns.28,29 Because of this, when physicians experience depressive symptoms, they may respond by working harder rather than seeking professional counseling or emotional support. They might believe that “asking for help is a sign of weakness,” thus sacrificing their wellness.
Wellness encompasses a sense of thriving characterized by thoughts and feelings of contentment, joy, and fulfillment—and the absence of severe distress.30 Wellness is a multifaceted condition that includes physical, psychological, and social aspects of an individual’s personal and professional life. Individuals experience a sense of wellness when they nurture their physical selves, minds, and relationships. People experience a sense of wellness when they balance their schedules, eat well, and maintain physical activity. Making time to enjoy family and friends also contributes to wellness.
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