It takes one to know one: prevalence and self-disclosure of mental illness among physicians and psychologists working in psychiatric services in Denmark.

Abstract

Objective: Limited knowledge exists regarding the prevalence of mental illnesses in physicians and psychologists working in mental health services. In addition, knowledge of the positive or negative impact of lived experience in mental health care professionals is scarce. The study aimed to describe the self-reported prevalence of mental illness amongst psychologists and physicians working in mental health services in Denmark, their perception of impact on their work within mental health services, and their extent of disclosure and treatment-seeking.

Methods: Invitations to an online survey were distributed via e-mail to head consultants of all mental health services in Denmark (n = 29). The association between respondent characteristics and the lifetime mental illness group was assessed in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, with the lifetime mental illness group as outcome.

Results: In total, 393 physicians and psychologists responded to the survey (response rate 67%). The combined lifetime prevalence of mental illness was 32% (n = 124). The respondents generally believed that lived experience with mental illness enhanced insight into mental illness and increased understanding and empathy towards patients. Auto-stigmatization and fear of disclosure were highly prevalent amongst respondents.

Conclusion: The results suggest lived experience with mental illness can be seen as a strength with increased patient understanding and empathy emphasizing that lived experience should not be perceived as a professional barrier. However, lived experience can cause negative impacts which highlights that physicians' health programs should address mental health stigma, and professional associations facilitate more openness and support for members with lived experience.