Identifying Risk Factors for Self-reported Mental Health Problems in Psychiatry Trainees and Psychiatrists in Mexico

Abstract

Objective The objective was to determine and compare demographic features, professional activities and adversities, physical health conditions, and self-care behaviors related to the most frequently self-reported mental health problems among psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective, comparative study was conducted on a total of 330 (48.2%) psychiatry trainees and 355 (51.8%) psychiatrists from Mexico through an online survey. Demographic features, professional activities and adversities, physical and mental health problems, self-care behaviors, and social support were examined. Comparative analyses and multiple logistic regression models were performed. Results Major depression, anxiety, and burnout were the most common mental health problems reported with a higher frequency of anxiety disorders in psychiatry trainees. Being a woman, having a physical health problem, and lack of restful sleep were the main risk factors in both groups. Consultation in the government sector and having patients with severe suicidal ideation affected more psychiatry trainees. Perceived discrimination and inadequate eating schedules were risk factors for mental health problems for psychiatrists. Conclusion Psychiatry trainees constitute a vulnerable group for anxiety disorders. Particular attention should be paid to how students cope with the training experience to determine whether additional support is required. These professionals face major stressors leading to a high prevalence of depression, burnout, and anxiety. Encouraging psychiatrists to have better health habits is a step in the right direction, which must be accompanied by tangible organizational avenues to do so and creating a culture that truly promotes self-care.

Depression, anxiety, and burnout among psychiatrists during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Beijing, China

“…In contrast to previous studies, we detected a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than anxiety. A recent survey also found similar results that the prevalence of depressive symptoms is higher than anxiety in Mexican psychiatrists [ 43 ]. One of the important reasons may be that in the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic, physicians often showed anxiety-related behaviors, such as tension, worry, and uneasiness.…”

Barreras para la atención de las conductas suicidas en Ciudad de México: experiencias del personal de salud en el primer nivel de atención

“…Asimismo, alrededor del 60 % de las/los estudiantes de Psiquiatría y psiquiatras en México reportan algún problema de salud mental; entre los más frecuentemente mencionados están el desgaste profesional, la ansiedad y la depresión [39]. En países de ingresos altos, se ha encontrado mayor prevalencia de problemas de salud mental con las/los profesionales de salud mental que atienden a las/los pacientes con conductas suicidas, [40] por lo que es necesario que las estrategias de prevención de suicidio consideren el bienestar de estos profesionales de salud.…”