Burnout and Depression Among Psychiatry Residents During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Very few studies have assessed the impact of an infectious outbreak on burnout among health care workers, especially non-frontline health care workers, such as psychiatrists. The role of psychiatrists and other mental health providers in such instances as a source of psychological support to the public and frontline workers is indispensable and valuable. This study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout and depression, and their correlation, during the COVID-19 pandemic among psychiatry residents in Saudi Arabia. A total of 121 out of 150 psychiatry residents in Saudi Arabia completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Patient’s Health Questionnaire for the assessment of burnout and depression. Around 27.3% reported having burnout and depression, with a significant relationship between them. Participants in the first two years of training and having a history of receiving mental health treatment in the past two years were at higher risk. The need is urgent to increase investment in mental health services or risk a massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months. Hence, the need to construct a plan to reduce this risk of burnout and depression among psychiatrists by developing preventative strategies to prevent burnout and promote wellness is more important than ever.

Relationships between work–environment characteristics and behavioral health provider burnout in the Veterans Health Administration

“…8 The global pandemic due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) likely exacerbated burnout among VHA BHPs as shown in recent studies of BHP experiences outside VHA. [9][10][11] We sought to identify potentially modifiable work-environment characteristics associated with BHP burnout in VHA, the largest integrated health care system in the United States. 12 With few exceptions, 13,14 prior VHA studies on burnout have focused on other provider types, such as primary care physicians or all clinicians and/or conducted facility-level analyses that could not incorporate individuals' experiences in the workplace.…”

“…Increasing the number of qualified providers could decrease burnout 8 . The global pandemic due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) likely exacerbated burnout among VHA BHPs as shown in recent studies of BHP experiences outside VHA 9–11 …”

Anxiety and depression symptoms among medical residents in KSA during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, other studies have shown that junior residents have had more unsatisfactory outcomes, as well as high levels of depressive, anxiety, stress, and burnout symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. 28 , 29 The difference in workload and the ability to handle stressors among junior residents may explain this finding. Senior residents usually have more responsibility and employment opportunities, whereas junior residents may have less experience and knowledge.…”

The Potentials and Challenges of Zoom Live Theatre during Coronavirus Lockdown: Pandemic Therapy and Corona Chicken (Part Two)

“…Studies have pointed out the prevalence of symptoms of burnout and depression during the Covid-19 pandemic among psychiatrists, health-care specialists, and social workers. 75 When Lori appears in her Zoom panel, 'She looks dishevelled, though she's trying not to'. 76 Because of her heavy responsibilities during the pandemic, she fails to abide by her schedule, cancelling her previous appointment with Kim and starting this new session late.…”