Patient mortality as a predictor of burnout among clinicians specializing in eating disorders

In a study of therapist burnout, Warren, Schafer, Crowley, and Olivardia (2013, pp. 553-564) identify the experience of patient death as a predictor of "emotional exhaustion," among clinicians specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. Longitudinal research indicates those with eating disorders--particularly lifetime anorexia nervosa--are at increased risk for premature death owing to physical and psychological aspects of their illness. Given this increased mortality risk, clinicians who concentrate their work on this patient population may experience patient death during the course of their careers. Improving clinician support, access to resources, psychoeducation about risks of mortality in this patient group, and training around how to cope with patient death could lead to a reduction in burnout and an improvement in patient care and well-being.