Rates of Burnout, Depression, Suicide, and Substance Use Disorders

Knowing the epidemiological data regarding rates of burnout, depression, suicide, and substance use disorders in physicians – and specifically in women physicians – is a crucial first step in understanding and confronting this very important issue. Although studies vary widely in their reported rates of burnout due to a number of methodological differences, most evidence shows high levels of burnout among the majority of physicians across the training, life, and career spectrum. Burnout rates are correlated strongly to rates of depression, suicide, and substance use disorders. Evidence suggests that burnout is more commonly experienced in women physicians than their male counterparts, with some data suggesting that women physicians experience up to double the rate of burnout. More research is needed to fully understand and track rates of these topics in physician populations – particularly to understand gender differences and the impact of potential interventions.