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Aims: Doctors are at increased risk of developing a mental illness and at increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. Medical students when faced with psychological stress and are more likely to avoid help. This study attempts to assess Canadian consultant psychiatrists' attitudes to disclosure and treatment preference if they were to become mentally ill. Method: Data was collected through a postal survey from all consultant psychiatrists registered in the province of Ontario in Canada. The survey package contained a covering letter, a 2 page questionnaire, and return stamped addressed envelope. Respondents were separated into 3 groups in order of experience as a consultant psychiatrist. Results: 487 out of 1231 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 40%). Respondents would be most likely to disclose their mental illness to family and friends (204, 41.9%). Those who would choose to disclose to their family physician or to family/friends were more likely to cite stigma as a factor influencing their choice than those who would choose to disclose to colleagues. Nearly a third of respondents (151, 31.0%) claimed to have experienced a mental illness. There was no association between choice of whom to disclose and previous experience of mental illness (χ2=1.22; DF=2; p=.545; Cramer's V=.05). Conclusions: Stigma continues to play a role in how consultant psychiatrists decide the course of disclosure and treatment. Consultant psychiatrists with less than 5 years of such experience when deciding treatment for themselves are more concerned with confidentiality than their quality of care. Senior consultant psychiatrists are more likely to seek professional help than informal professional advice out the outset of a mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]