Unspoken Truths: Mental Health Among Academic Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Surgical Workforce Health
• Mental Health in Medicine

Background:

• Mental illness and suicide rates are a growing concern within the medical community.
• The precise mental health status of the surgical workforce remains largely uncharacterized.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for targeted interventions and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current mental health landscape of the US surgical workforce.
• To identify the prevalence of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder.
• To examine the association between medical errors, mental health diagnoses, and suicidal ideation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to academic surgeons, trainees, and medical students.
• Participants completed assessments for mental health status, medical error history, and suicidal ideation.
• Statistical analyses adjusted for demographic factors and validated screening scales were performed.

Main Results:

• 26.1% of respondents reported a prior mental health diagnosis.
• High rates of positive screening for depression (15.9%), anxiety (18.4%), alcohol use disorder (11.0%), and PTSD (17.3%) were observed.
• Suicidal ideation was reported by 13.2% in the past year, with prior mental health issues and current depression/PTSD increasing the odds.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of the surgical workforce experiences mental health challenges.
• Suicidal ideation is a serious concern, affecting nearly 1 in 7 respondents.
• Addressing mental illness and suicidal ideation is critical for the well-being of US surgeons.