Impaired interns and residents.

In 1981 a study was undertaken to determine intern and resident psychological well-being and identify those house staff who were psychologically impaired. Fourteen percent of house staff were found to be impaired. Single females and house staff who were chronically fatigued or socially isolated were at highest risk for impairment. Impairment arose out of the interaction between sleep and social deprivation and individual vulnerability. Minor tranquilizers, but not alcohol, were used as a coping response to impairment.