Family Therapy & Systemic Practice

Impaired practitioners are those who are unable to fulfil professional or personal responsibilities because of psychiatric illness, alcoholism or drug dependency. In Australia most of the literature is from professional registration boards about procedures and complaints panels, not about prevalence, prevention, assistance or intervention.  In exploring the literature it was a surprise to discover that there is almost no reference to impaired psychologists and counsellors while there is more available around impaired physicians and psychiatrists.  I suspect the dearth of information is not because psychologists are immune to mental health problems.  The small amount of literature, from America in the mid 1990’s, suggests that they are at risk of anxiety, depression, alcohol problems and relationship difficulties. 

Mental illness is stigmatising. and those working in mental health are often the most inclined to stigmatise their colleagues.  There is often the belief that if a mental health problem is admitted then you might as well retire as you are ‘no good to anyone anymore.’  This personal and professional stigmatisation  adds to stigma already present in the community. Then there is the fact that practitioners have a tendency to either protect or ignore impaired practitioners – I have experienced opposition to getting appropriate assistance for co workers on a number of occasions – and the delay in treatment causes significant problems in relationships and professional reputation, not to mention personal distress.  The impact on family is often not seen by co-workers, but is significant.

Working in the mental health arena is stressful, and primary and secondary prevention of mental health problems is important.  Early warning signs include irritability, social withdrawal, reduced quality of work, reduced productivity, emotional exhaustion and fatigue, isolation, disillusionment, job relocations and sleep problems.We know these things for our clients but are reluctant to turn the mirror on ourselves and our colleagues. Information and education about burnout, about building resilience, about the need for a general practitioner, as well as confidential assistance programs and rehabilitation programs are all important in looking after ourselves and our colleagues.

References

 Wilson A, Rosen A, Randal P, Petherbridge P, Codyre D, Barton D, Norrie P, McGeorge P, Rose L.  Psychiatrically impaired medical practitioners: an overview with special reference to impaired psychiatrists .  Australasian Psychiatry 2009  17:1 6-10
Wilson A, Rosen A, Randal P, Petherbridge P, Codyre D, Barton D, Norrie P, McGeorge P, Rose L.  Psychiatrically impaired medical practitionersbetter care to reduce harm and life impact, with special reference to impaired psychiatrists.  Australasian Psychiatry 2009  17:1 6-10