There are physicians who would not die if mood disorders, eating disorders, alcoholism and other types of drug dependence were as acceptable as coronary artery disease, diabetes, or breast and prostate cancer. There are many reasons why our physician-patients struggle with stigma. Sometimes stereotypic myths about psychiatrists are reinforced in medical school by role modeling, especially if the teachers are disinterested or disorganized, or if they are unconventional individuals who alienate or confuse students with vague concepts and jargon or anti-medical model attitudes. Some physicians have experienced psychiatric illness firsthand, during childhood or in their families. If this was particularly upsetting or had a tragic outcome, it often augments adult stigma.
Many physicians feel sheepish at the notion of seeing a psychiatrist.
This can be multi-determined with intrapsychic, interpersonal, familial, racial, ethnic or religious underpinnings. One of the paradoxes of medicine is that our profession is not always understanding, caring or forgiving-especially of its own members. Hence, stigma may actually be reinforced by the M.D. that follows one's name. Understandably, they resist and fight the process of becoming a patient, especially a patient with a psychiatric illness. Much like internalized homophobia, overcoming stigma in oneself is a lifelong challenge.