The association between self-treatment and mental health among Swedish physicians

Background Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems among physicians, the rate of help-seeking behaviour is low. Instead, physicians tend to self-treat. This can have a negative impact on individual physicians and society. Aims The aim was to explore the relationship between self-rated depression, the use of psychotropic medication, and the extent of self-treatment across gender and hierarchical position among Swedish physicians. In addition, the aim was to investigate whether social support can buffer against self-treatment. Methods This study draws on data from the Longitudinal Occupational Health for Health Care in Sweden 2021 study, comprising a representative sample of physicians. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were carried out. Results The present study showed that approximately 60% of the physicians using narcotic or non-narcotic psychotropic medication were self-prescribing. Male and more senior physicians self-treated to a greater extent. Physicians without depression were self-treating to a greater extent than those with depression. Those who used non-narcotic psychotropic medication intermittently were more likely to self-treat than those who used these medications regularly. The frequency of use was insignificant in relation to self-treatment with narcotic psychotropic medication. No buffering effect from social support at work was found. Conclusions Self-treatment was common among physicians in Sweden, particularly among those who reported mild or no symptoms of depression. This may have negative long-term effects on an individual level and for Swedish health care at large.