I stepped back to examine what was happening. The duration, severity, and onset of the syndrome are highly variable. Some interns contract it earlier in the year, some later, and others presumably exhibit immunity. It is difficult to predict whom or when it will hit or how long it will last. The signs and symptoms also vary.
Irritability mixed with anger is a common symptom.
Depending on the duration of the irritating stimulus or the cumulative effects of multiple aggravating situations, this can create irrational and illogical behavior. Scapegoating ts also used against friends, family, and loved ones as the toxic intern takes frustrations from work out on someone at home who has no control or influence over any of it. The symptoms can occur in a passive-aggressive form, striking back at residents, nurses and patients. Of they may occur as a slow response to nurses for ridiculous cross-cover calls. A pervasive sense of cynicism develops as another means of coping.