Traumatized by practice: PTSD in physicians

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is underrecognized in physicians, even though it may be more prevalent in physicians than in the general population in the United States. Five types of physicians appear to be particularly prone to developing PTSD: (1) emergency physicians; (2) physicians practicing in underserved and remote areas; (3) physicians in training (i.e., medical residents); (4) physicians involved in malpractice litigation; and (5) physicians who are "second victims" in the sense that they are indirectly exposed to trauma. In addition to experiencing trauma, the cumulative stress of practice may cause PTSD. The road to recovery for physicians with PTSD entails proper diagnosis and treatment, which includes maintaining a high index of suspicion for the occurrence of PTSD in predisposed physicians, and individual or group therapy. Physicians in leadership positions should advocate for effective support programs for their colleagues with PTSD.