The impaired psychiatrist

Precise data on impaired psychiatrists is lacking, but the evidence suggests significant prevalence due to mental illness, substance abuse, and personality disorder. The complexity and stress of the profession may induce and aggravate vulnerabilities that lead to impaired functioning. Although the very idea of impaired function centers on harmful patient care, colleagues may be affected in ways that, via transference reactions, are not always helpful. There is a great need to balance sanction and rehabilitation, and we need to be proactive and research oriented in dealing with the problem.