GPs suffer from mental health problems too

GPs suffer from mental health problems too

By Liz Lockhart

Concerns were raised at the recent BMA’s conference in Cardiff over the mental health of GPs and dentists.

Speaking at the conference, Latifa Patel, the BMA’s medical students’ representative, said that mental health was not a ‘small issue’ and that medics were more likely to suffer from depression or commit suicide. (more likely than whom she did not say)

Miss Patel went on to say that ‘40% of the people in this room will be forced to retire early due to a psychiatric illness.  7% of the people in this room will have a substance misuse problem at one stage in their life.’

‘And 10% of junior doctors harbour thoughts of suicide.’ she added.

Many doctors and dentists fear disciplinary action or being struck off if they disclose details of their mental illness, she concluded.

At present support is offered to doctors and dentists living in London by The Practitioner Health Programme.  In addition to help with mental health problems it also deals with addiction issues.

The BMA has suggested that this confidential service should be extended across the UK. 

Related Articles

First aid classes offered in mental health

GP ‘list-cleansing’ drive could affect the vulnerable

The leading cause of disabiity in world's youth - mental illness

One in four teens has felt suicidal

Thumbs up for fishing therapy

Rates of common mental illness not rising, says new study

Improving health services for vulnerable children and young people 

Your rating: None Average: 10 (2 votes)