Association Between Proportion of Workday Treating COVID-19 and Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD Outcomes in US Physicians

Objective: The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between time spent treating patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and levels of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in US physicians. Methods: The authors conducted an anonymous online survey of US physicians. Linear regression was used to test the association between proportion of day treating COVID-19 and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Results: In a sample of 1724 US physicians, proportion of day treating COVID-19 was positively and significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD scores (P < 0.001 for each). Conclusions: Mental health resources should be provided to physicians who treat COVID-19 because the proportion of day treating COVID-19 is associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD outcomes.

Automated summary

This study examined the association between time spent treating COVID-19 patients and levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD in US physicians, finding a significant positive correlation. The results suggest that treating COVID-19 may have negative impacts on physicians' mental health, highlighting the need for mental health resources to support them.