[Cooperation, Job Satisfaction and Burn Out - Sustainability in Outpatient Mental Health Care among Medical Specialists in Germany]

[Burnout Among Physicians Working in Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Care]

OBJECTIVE

Burnout is considered to be a major risk factor that can contribute secondary disorders due to persistent work related stress. International studies showed that physicians working in psychiatric care are more frequently affected by burnout than physicians working in somatic care. Studies from Germany are lacking.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study all physicians 40 years and younger and registered with the State Chamber of Physicians of Saxony, Germany, received an anonymous paper-pencil questionnaire. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

RESULTS

Physicians working in psychiatric/psychosomatic care did not differ from physicians working in somatic care regarding the subscales emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Physicians working in psychiatric/psychosomatic care reported higher personal accomplishment. Working in psychiatric/psychosomatic care was associated with a lower likelihood for a high degree of burnout on the subscale personal accomplishment.

CONCLUSION

Previous studies suggesting a higher prevalence of burnout among physicians working in psychiatric care could not be confirmed.