Identifying and assisting the impaired physician

An impaired physician is one unable to fulfill professional or personal res ponsibilities because of psychiatric illness, alcoholism, or drug dependenc y. Current estimates are that approximately 15% of physicians will be impai red at some point in their careers. Although physicians may not have higher rates of impairment compared with other professionals, factors in their ba ckground, personality, and training may contribute and predispose them to d rug abuse and mental illness, particularly depression. Many physicians poss ess a strong drive for achievement, exceptional conscientiousness, and an a bility to deny personal problems. These attributes are advantageous for "su ccess" in medicine; ironically, however, they may also predispose to impair ment. identifying impairment is often difficult because the manifestations are varied and physicians will typically suppress and deny any suggestion o f a problem. Identification is essential because patient well-being may be at stake, and untreated impairment may result in loss of license, health pr oblems, and even death. Fortunately, once identified and treated, physician s often do better in recovery than others and typically can return to a pro ductive career and a satisfying personal and family life.