DSM-IV self-report and subjective evaluation by psychiatrists in Israel

Rael D. Strous*, Rafael Stryjer, Mordechai Weiss, Dana Ofir, Faina Bar, Yehuda Baruch, Moshe Kotler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorder, with the range of both subsyndromal and syndromal manifestation, is an important, yet often unrecognized and unacknowledged, problem among physicians. It is a subject that remains understudied, particularly among psychiatrists. The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective perception of mental illness among members of the psychiatric profession. Method: Psychiatrists attending an educational symposium completed, anonymously, a self-evaluation questionnaire in which they were asked to self-diagnose the presence of DSM-IV disorders. Results: 110 responses were received (response rate: 52.1%); 90% of respondents indicated the presence of at least one syndrome or trait. The most common disorders on axis I and axis II were "mood disorder" and "narcissistic traits" respectively, with the least common being "psychotic disorder" and "schizotypal traits." Female psychiatrists reported more impairment, particularly among axis I disorders. The reported number of axis I and II conditions decreased with subjects' age. Conclusions: Manifestations of psychiatric conditions including the range of subthreshold phenomena, as self-diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, appear to be prominently reported, albeit with low severity, in a subjective manner by psychiatrists. Our findings may be of importance in encouraging the implementation of special programs in training and ongoing occupational support.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-207
Number of pages11
JournalIsrael Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences
Volume41
Issue number3
StatePublished - 2004

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