The psychiatrist's family--a comparative study.

The results of a questionnaire survey of the partners of psychiatrists and general practitioners are presented. The questionnaire was designed to elicit feelings about the respective professions. Methodological issues are discussed, and the wisdom of comparing different medical groups is questioned. Although significantly fewer psychiatrists' partners initially had positive feelings towards their spouse's career, the majority of both groups reported currently positive feelings. Only a minority, and in equal proportions in the two groups, reported that their spouse's profession had interfered with their relationships with friends or had influenced their marital relationship. A significantly greater number of general practitioners' partners reported that their spouse's profession was more stressful than that of other professionals. The results also indicated that a significantly greater number of psychiatrists than general practitioners as perceived by their partners as using psychiatric interpretation and jargon in the family setting. Furthermore, the comments provided, although representative of only a minority of respondents, demonstrated that this could provide a unique stress for the families of some psychiatrists.