ABSTRACT
Adverse effects of stress may affect not only the individual doctor but also his/her family life, marriage, and social life. The work organization, financial issues, administration, interference with family and social life, relationships with colleagues and patients, and work demand. The physician has a lower mortality risk from cancer and heart disease relative to the general population, but they have a significantly higher risk of dying from suicide. Litigation-related stress can precipitate depression and occasionally suicide. Some physicians have committed suicide upon the first receipt of malpractice claims, after judgments against them in court, or after financially motivated settlements foisted upon them by a malpractice insurer solely to cut the insurer’s losses. Physicians fear losing hospital privileges if treatment for depression is disclosed. Physicians with psychiatric diseases often encounter discrimination in medical licensing, hospital privileges, health insurance, professional liability insurance, and professional advancement.
