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editorial
. 1979 Aug 4;121(3):283–288.

Psychiatric illness in physicians.

S E Shortt
PMCID: PMC1704352  PMID: 380794

Abstract

Psychiatric illness and behavioural problems among physicians are reviewed in this paper. Some studies suggest that the medical profession has a high rate of alcoholism, drug abuse and marital discord. As well, physicians appear to commit suicide and to seek admission to psychiatric institutions more frequently than comparable populations. Considered as etiologic factors in psychiatric illness among physicians are the role strain inherent in the profession and the personality development of individual practitioners prior to their entering medical school. The review concludes with suggestions for an improved approach to treatment and prevention.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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