Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2007) 13: 161-168. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.106.003277
© 2007 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Improving the health of psychiatrists

Jenny Firth-Cozens

Professor Jenny Firth-Cozens is a clinical and organisational psychologist acting as consultant to a number of healthcare organisations, including the London Deanery, where she is Special Advisor on Postgraduate Medical Education (Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DN, UK. Email: jfirth-cozens{at}londondeanery.ac.uk). She has published numerous papers, chapters and books on the health of doctors and on the organisational aspects of patient safety, and has worked for the Royal College of Psychiatrists on leadership development.

Although the physical health of doctors is largely better than that of the general population, they continue to have high levels of stress, depression and substance misuse. These aspects of mental ill health are particularly elevated in psychiatrists, and in a number of studies psychiatrists have also been found to be those doctors most likely to face disciplinary proceedings. This article explores the individual and organisational causes of these problems and the ways they may interact within the psychiatrist’s work role, and suggests a variety of possible interventions to improve the mental health of doctors in psychiatry.