Burnout and self-perceived health among Finnish psychiatrists and child psychiatrists: a national survey

Aims: This study investigated burnout and related health matters among a sample of Finnish physicians working within the field of psychiatry. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to one in three licensed physicians randomly selected from the register of the Finnish Medical Association (FMA). The response rate was 74% (n = 3133). Results: Psychiatrists and child psychiatrists reported burnout, threat of severe burnout, depression, and mental disorder more commonly than other physicians. Moreover, psychiatrists and child psychiatrists reported less often good or rather good self-perceived health. Depression had a moderate positive correlation with overall MBI score. Lack of possibilities to consult a colleague, and supervision of work, experience of threat of violence, and self-reported depression were significantly associated with overall burnout level and emotional exhaustion. Conclusions: Emotional exhaustion as a symptom of burnout was common among psychiatrists, especially among those working in community care, and child psychiatrists. Problems of general health, as well as mental health, among psychiatrists and child psychiatrists are in need of attention.