Over the past few years I have often reflected on how many MD’s and health care providers suffer with ADHD. I’ve attached several articles that have a mix of results in regards to the prevalence of ADHD among physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistant and nurses. Physician Heal Thyself, that could be a long path forward. After all, who wants to ask for help when we are so smart and accomplished?
The literature indicates that people with ADHD and other Neurospicy conditions change jobs frequently, always seeking the greener grass. We may often think, if people knew who we were, they would surely judge us harshly.
The attached articles support this thinking. It is unclear if health care providers have higher incidence or if ADHD is under reported. It seems abundantly clear that our health care system and health care providers are suffering from under staffing, burn out and consequences of stress related illnesses, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Preexisting ADHD may contribute to these conditions. Physicians and health care workers have higher incidence and risk for suicide. While suicide risks have improved the past several years, high risk for suicide continues to be problematic among physicians and health care workers.
The past few months, I had the opportunity to talk with several physicians, surgeons and health care providers. Several admitted that they suffered, but were unwilling to share with their employers or colleagues. I recently spoke with a surgeon who is very successful and they told me “ to be a physician we have to be a little off center. So yeah, I would say that most Health care providers have some sort of neurodivergency, including ADHD and autism” He also shared that often, he is impulsive and gets in trouble with staff for over sharing, over reacting or using humor to calm down after a stressful situation. The humor is often confronted as inappropriate and insensitive by other staff members. He said, “Yeah, HR and I are talking at least once a month.”
A few Professional health care workers told me that they were actively involved with coaches, or CBT and asking for help from employers and co-workers. Wow! That is great news. This seems to be the exception to the rule, rather than the norm. Like many people with ADHD, Physicians and other health care professionals are reluctant to share as they fear professional consequences.
Of note, one Physician told me that his clinic is recognizing and implementing policies to support medical providers. The company provides CBT, counseling and discussions about ADHD, burnout and how seek work life balance. Yay. That is really good news. I wonder how common this type of support is in our health care systems? The articles attached indicate that there is certainly a need to recognize and support professionals suffering from anxiety, depression, burn out and explore how ADHD if affecting people.
The ADHD Resource Center points to the health care profession is a creative environment that may be a good fit for people with ADHD. In addition, high stress, high acuity situations may also be a place where our strengths as ADDers make us shine in the moment. When I worked as an RN many years ago in the emergency department a Dr told me that I was great in a crisis, and horrible with the common colds and routine clients.
I wonder how many providers have created a personal hell of not being themselves? How many have stressors that affect their physical and mental health? How many Health Providers are burned out and not able to provide good care for themselves or their clientele? How many have been diagnosed with co-morbid depression, anxiety or other psychiatric condition? How many are having troubles with their families and friends and relationships? How many lives could be improved it they had the freedom to seek help and find a better path forward? Would addressing Neurodivergency more directly with compassionate interventions and creative teaching methods for Health care providers lead to less burnout, better client outcomes and retention of health care professionals?
The literature supports and my anecdotal interviews with 15 providers reveals that most Physicians and Mid Level Providers are reluctant to share for fear of Professional Consequences. It would appear that ADHD may under reported, poorly treated and lead to burn out, poor client outcomes and poor health among the health care providers. Many professionals are reluctant to share for fear of professional consequences, which may include not getting a job or advancement. I wonder what other consequences could result if professionals shared their ADHD struggles with their employers and colleagues? This fear of reprisals or professional consequences is true for many people with ADHD.
My hope is that more and more professionals and people with ADHD in all fields will open up and share their truth about themselves, seek help and support from their employers, peers, colleagues and family.
Blessings
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