The Irish Medical Organisation conference is told that problems with mental health among doctors are higher than for the general population.
The Irish Medical Organisation conference in Killarney heard that more women than ever are studying medicine in Ireland. Women outperform their male peers in university examinations. This is not reflected in the medical profession however, as less than twenty per cent of consultancy posts are held by women.
Mental health is a growing concern, as the rate of suicide among female doctors is higher than women in other professional groups, but no one knows why.
Dr Patricia Casey, Professor of Psychiatry at UCD (University College Dublin) says that addiction to drink or drugs may be a factor. Another reason could be the pressure placed on women doctors who are expected to maintain multiple roles such as being mothers and homemakers while dealing with a heavy workload,
Increases stress levels leading to depression and ultimately to suicide.
She believes that women will stay on in medicine longer with support such as
Flexible working hours, better childcare facilities.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 April 1999. The reporter is George Devlin.
