Burnout in psychiatrists: an etiological model.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews burnout in psychiatrists. A model of burnout is presented which considers three factors: those which may predispose, precipitate, and perpetuate burnout. Lastly, recommendations are made for future research.

METHODS

We conducted a selective literature review to expand on two recent systematic reviews to examine the etiology, prevalence, and consequences of burnout in psychiatrists. We distinguish the effects of burnout, depression, and work-related stress.

RESULTS

An etiological model for the development of burnout in psychiatrists is described here in terms of an interaction between the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Research is needed on the long-term effects of work-place stress on psychiatrists, to identify possible protective factors, and to utilize this information to inform the design of interventions that protect or mitigate the effects of work-place stress on psychiatrists.