Professional interests of psychiatrists in Turkiye: Are they consistent with clinical practice and self-efficacy?

Abstract

Objective: Psychiatrists acquire general professional competencies during their residency training and continue their education in areas of interest thereafter. This study aimed to create a profile of the mental disorders that psychiatrists prefer to engage with and explore in their clinical practice, as well as the treatment methods they employ. Furthermore, the study evaluated the impact of aligning clinical practice with areas of interest on self-efficacy. Method: Participants were recruited through an online questionnaire designed using Google Forms. The study included a total of 218 psychiatrists who completed the sociodemographic data form, evaluation form, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Psychiatrists in Turkiye showed the greatest affinity for treating patients with bipolar disorder, while showing the least interest in paraphilic disorder. The most frequently examined patients in their clinical practice were those diagnosed with anxiety disorders, and the prevailing treatment method applied was psychopharmacological intervention. A positive correlation was observed between the frequency of examining mental disorders of interest and self-efficacy levels. Conclusion: Understanding the professional inclinations of psychiatrists is vital for designing effective residency and post-residency training programs. This study, for the first time, examines the professional interests of psychiatrists and their connection to self-efficacy within the context of medical specialties.