Burnout in Indian Psychiatrists

BACKGROUND: Individuals associated with service providing and decision-taking are prone for stress leading to burnout. AIM: The aim of this study is to find out the details of burnout among Psychiatrists in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) with structured biodata sheet was sent to the representative sample of psychiatrists by e-mail. Basic statistical analysis was done to find out prevalence, analyze response pattern, and differences between those with and without burnout. RESULTS: The number of psychiatrists that responded to survey was 110–81 (74%) male and 29 (26%) female. The number of burnout cases in one or other spheres was 51 in 35 psychiatrists accounting for the prevalence of 46%. 32% of psychiatrists have burnout. Four psychiatrists have burnout in all three dimensions, nine in two dimensions, and 22 in one dimension. Personal burnout topped in the three dimensions (63%) followed by work burnout (24%). Patient burnout was least at 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout, though not very high, is to be taken seriously by Indian psychiatrists and protective and preventive measures are in order.