One in four NHS doctors suffering from mental health issues, report warns

Experts warn there is an 'alarming mental health crisis' burdening the medical workforce

An increasing number of medical professionals are at high risk of psychological burnout, a new report has revealed.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of a mental health “crisis” among doctors and medical students after a survey of more than 4,300 participants found that just over a quarter (27 per cent) have received a psychiatric diagnosis.

The report also revealed that 40 per cent of doctors reported currently suffering from one of a broader range of psychological or emotional conditions, with those working the longest weekly hours – 51 or more – most likely to say they were struggling.

Similarly, 90 per cent of respondents admitted that their current working, training or studying environment had contributed to their condition either to a significant or partial extent.

One in three also admitted to resorting to alcohol, drugs or self-prescribing as a way of getting through their shifts.

The BMA says that the long hours and heavy workload experienced by doctors and medical students is pushing them towards “burnout”, warning that many are refusing to seek help for fear it will ruin their career.

Professor Dinesh Bhugra, president of the BMA, says: “This report shines an important light on the alarming mental health crisis currently burdening the medical workforce as the link between the current pressures on doctors and poor mental health can no longer be ignored.

“As the people who are entrusted with caring for the health of others, doctors often feel particularly vulnerable and/or unable to come forward and seek help for fear of judgement and or any perceived ramifications a declaration of poor mental health may have on their prospective career.”

Bhugra concluded by saying that a system which fails to “support and protect” the health of its own employees will flounder. He also identified the report as a “clear call to action”.

Dr Thomas Kitchen, a trainee anaesthetist who works at Health Education and Improvement Wales, revealed there have been many times throughout his career where he felt his mental health was at risk.

However he admitted that, like many doctors, his own emotional needs often take a backseat due to the pressures and perceived failings that come with the job.

“Given their backgrounds and exposure to certain education systems and culture, many doctors and medical students can often feel a deep aversion to 'failing' and perhaps can’t even perceive what failure would really mean or look like,” Kitchen says.

“Sadly, but inevitably in this job, particularly given the current pressures, not everything goes the way you would like or plan, even when you have done everything right.

“How we manage ourselves in the face of our perceived failings can add a unique pressure on top of already challenging situations. We need to be kinder to ourselves.”

A spokesman for the Department of Health said in a statement: "Our upcoming People Plan will lay out the actions we will undertake to overhaul the mental health and wellbeing support on offer for all NHS staff.

"Alongside the BMA, we recently announced improvements to shared parental leave arrangements for doctors – part of our commitment to improve working conditions to make the NHS an employer fit for the 21st century."

For confidential support with mental health or suicidal feelings, you can contact The Samaritans on their free, 24-hour phone support by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.