Monday, January 27, 2020

New study highlights prevalence of PTSD among obstetricians and gynecologists

A new University ofLiverpool led study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetric and Gynecology today, has revealed the prevalence of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among obstetricians and gynecologists.

The study, funded by medical research charity Well-being of Women and the Royal College of Gynecologists (RCOG), highlights the need for a system of care for front-line staff and mental health in the profession as a global concern.

The impact of doctors' work on their mental health is a major global concern. Doctors can be exposed at work to events that they find traumatic, and obstetricians and gynecologists may be particularly at risk. Whilst the majority of births proceed straightforwardly to positive outcomes, adverse events in which a previously healthy mother or her baby is suddenly at risk of serious injury or death will occur.

Exposure to trauma through the provision of care can lead to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is defined as a psychological response to exposure to an event involving actual (or threatened) death or serious injury and characterized by four symptom groups: intrusions (e.g. intrusive thoughts or images, flashbacks); avoidance of reminders; arousal (e.g. feeling 'on edge') and negative alterations to beliefs or mood (e.g. anger, guilt).

These symptoms cause distress, impairment in the individual's social interactions, capacity to work or in other important areas of functioning.