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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Resident Physicians Related to Their Internship

Academic Psychiatry volume 19, pages 142–149 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

To evaluate whether stresses experienced by physicians during internship are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, the authors administered a standardized questionnaire to assess PTSD symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and social supports to 212 residents. Thirteen percent of residents met diagnostic criteria for PTSD, including 20% of the women and 9% of the men. PTSD symptoms were significantly more frequent in residents who were single or divorced at the time the questionnaire was administered. There were significant positive correlations between PTSD symptoms and symptoms of both current anxiety and depression, and a significant negative correlation existed between social support and PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms attributed to stresses associated with internship, which may be deleterious to physician well-being and potentially to patient care, and suggest the importance of making major changes in postgraduate medical training.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. director and assistant professor, Undergraduate Medical Education in Psychiatry, Chicago, USA

    Debra L. Klamen M.D.

  2. director and assistant professor, director, Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Services, and associate professor, resident physician, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine, USA

    Debra L. Klamen M.D.,  Linda S. Grossman Ph.D. &  David Kopacz M.D.

Authors
  1. Debra L. Klamen M.D.
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  2. Linda S. Grossman Ph.D.
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  3. David Kopacz M.D.
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Klamen, D.L., Grossman, L.S. & Kopacz, D. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Resident Physicians Related to Their Internship. Acad Psychiatry 19, 142–149 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03341425

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03341425

Keywords

  • Social Support
  • Anxiety Symptom
  • Ptsd Symptom
  • Academic Psychiatry
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder