Reaching out to the depressed physician

Many of the character traits that contribute to physician success can become risk factors to depression when amplified. Only reluctantly do some physicians attend to and express personal needs. The preemptory desire to satisfy the demands of his patients and colleagues may further subvert self-awareness and appropriate self-indulgence. Ultimately, frank depression emerges. Too often, depression remains unrecognized or untreated until the physician's self-destructive pattern compromises his capacity to care for his patients. The author discusses clues to the early recognition of depression as well as strategies in the prevention and treatment of the depressed physician.