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‘Stress-busting’ groups for consultant psychiatrists

Department of Mental Health, University of Aberdeen, and Royal Cornhill Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZH, email: jane.murdoch{at}gpct.grampian.scot.nhs.uk

John M. Eagles, Consultant Psychiatrist

Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To describe the formation and function of ‘stress-busting’ groups and report a survey on work-related stress among a small cohort of consultant psychiatrists.

RESULTS

Of 37 questionnaires, 25 were returned and 16 respondents (64%) rated their overall level of stress at work as moderate or severe. Stressful factors included lack of staff, paperwork, high-risk patients, difficult/hostile relatives and job demands interfering with family life. The most helpful stress-reducing strategies were talking to colleagues for support and catharsis, outside interests, support from family and friends, effective time management and exercise. Among 15 current members of ‘stress-busting’ groups, 14 (93%) found these to be helpful. The most successful format in the ‘stress-busting’ groups was one of ‘problem-solving with ventilation of stresses’.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

‘Stress-busting’ groups may constitute a helpful approach to work-related stress and a utilisation of the skills of psychiatrists to our mutual benefit.

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