Trauma and stress-related disorders in German emergency physicians: the predictive role of personality factors.

Abstract

Emergency medical personnel (EMP) are repeatedly exposed to traumatic and stressful events with possible consequences on their mental wellbeing. Out of the group of EMP, we chose German Emergency Physicians (EP), because they represent a distinct group within the German pre-hospital emergency services. In this group, we studied the prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout and depression. We specifically focussed on the role of personality and other factors of vulnerability. Four hundred eighty-seven German EPs answered questionnaires with scales assessing probable PTSD, burnout, depression, and personality factors. Additionally, we asked for biographic, occupational and mental health information. More than 90% of the participants reported at least one traumatic event. We found low to moderate levels of stress-related disorders with 16.8% of participants meeting the criteria for probable PTSD, 4.1% for burnout, and 3.1% for clinical depression. We identified four clusters of personalities that were related to the prevalence of PTSD and depression. The type of personality seems to be more predictive of the development of trauma and stress-related disorders than the EPs' traumatic experiences.