Emotional Intelligence: One Cure for Physician Burnout

Abstract

Less is known about physician’s physical illnesses than about physician’s mental health. Physician’s rate of suicide is greater than that of the general population and greater than that of other professionals. Currently, psychiatric illness such as depression, anxiety disorders and stress related conditions is the most important cause of physician’s burnout. Burnout is a state of persistent exhaustion, which is work-related and characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism or depersonalisation and reduced competence. This article reviews the sources, impacts and solutions of burnout among physicians and how emotional intelligence can help them better react to situations by enhancing their own emotional self-awareness, potentially reducing professional burnout.