title: Promoting voluntary help-seeking among doctors with mental disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore if the Barcelona Integral Care Program for Doctors with mental disorders (PAIMM, in Catalan) has achieved its goal of enhancing earlier and voluntary help-seeking amongst sick doctors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1363 medical records of physicians admitted to the inpatient and outpatient units of the PAIMM from February 1st, 1998 until December 31st, 2011. The sample was divided into 3 time periods: 1998-2004, 2005-2007 and 2008-2011 (477, 497, and 389 cases, respectively).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age at admission decreased (F = 77.57, p < 0.001) from the first period (x = 54.18; SD = 10.28 years) to the last period (x = 44.81; SD = 10.65 years), while voluntary referrals increased from 81.3% to 91.5% (Chi(2) = 17.85, p < 0.001). Mental disorders other than substance use disorders grew from 71% during the 1998-2003 period, to 87.4% (2004-2007), and 83.9% in the last period (Chi2 = 29.01, p < 0.001). Adjustment disorders increased their prevalence, while inpatient treatment progressively represented less of the overall clinical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sick doctors may feel encouraged to seek help in non-punitive programs specially designed for them and where treatment becomes mandatory only when there is risk or evidence of malpractice.
authors: Galatea Clinic, Galatea Foundation, Barcelona Medical Council-Association, Integral Care Program for Sick Doctors, Barcelona, Spain, mdbraquehais@vhebron.net.
authors: María Dolores
authors: MD
authors: Braquehais
authors: Sergi
authors: S
authors: Valero
authors: Josep Lluís
authors: JL
authors: Matalí
authors: Miquel Jordi
authors: MJ
authors: Bel
authors: José Eduardo
authors: JE
authors: Montejo
authors: Viviana
authors: V
authors: Nasillo
authors: Antoni
authors: A
authors: Arteman
authors: Jaume
authors: J
authors: Padrós
authors: Eugeni
authors: E
authors: Bruguera
authors: Miquel
authors: M
authors: Casas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies