Imposter Syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that an individual succeeds because of their talent or qualifications (Hunter et al., 2018). Most individuals who experience imposter syndrome have feelings of not belonging, lack of self-confidence, anxiety, and doubts about their achievements. Imposter syndrome affects almost any kind of individual but is particularly high in women, medical students, actors, and executives. Today, about 70% of individuals will experience signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome at least once in their life (Vilwock et al., 2019).
Individuals who experience imposter syndrome have adverse physiological effects, such as increased BMI, high cortisol levels, high blood pressure, and insomnia (Hunter et al., 2018). All these factors can lead to an increase in cardiovascular disease, eating disorder, and) mental disorder (Wang et al., 2019). For example, cortisol is a hormone made in the adrenal glands and released into the blood (Haas et al., 2019). The effects of cortisol include controlling the body’s blood sugar, regulating metabolism, influencing memory formation, and controlling salt and water balance (Haas et al., 2019). Too much cortisol can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure (Haas et al., 2019). All side effects associated with imposter syndrome.
Ethical values to consider are non-maleficence and beneficence. Imposter syndrome is not considered a mental disorder; therefore, most individuals who experience this phenomenon often are not prescribed any medication. Physicians who come by this syndrome often tell the patient to go to psychological therapy to help them visualize success and develop new responses to failure. Although the physician is practicing non-maleficence and beneficence to the patient by not giving medication, that can further lead to more physiological effects. Most patients have a hard time overcoming imposter syndrome. Thus, counselors, mentors, and psychiatrists must be trained well to help these patients.
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This is a really interesting topic to bring into the discussion of medicine. It goes to show how valuable it is to take into account a patient's experience in the context of their health and wellbeing. This is the basis of viewing a patient as a whole and patient centered care. It draws the question, how do we address imposter system and how do we encourage others to change their negative self talk? I think it is also important to be aware of cultural issue that could play into a power discrepancy that would encourage imposter syndrome. Empathy could prove very helpful and encouraging self compassion. An article described using self compassion to "reframe" the inner voice and separate from emotional distress (Weiss, 2018).
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post!
reference
Weiss, L. (2018, September 4). Self-Compassion Could Be the Secret to Stopping Imposter Syndrome You've Been Looking For. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/leah-weiss/how-to-overcome-imposter-syndrome-with-self-compassion-according-to-science.html.
It is so unfortunate that people who have worked hard to get where they are still do not feel comfortable in their field. A new article suggests that imposter syndrome can actually lead to quicker burnout in physicians. While studying medicine it is easy to get stuck in a "cycle of perceive inadequacy," where we learn to give compassion to patients but not ourselves (Gazelle, 2019). How do we combat this? You mention that a person can not be medicated for imposter syndrome, which may be problematic. However, I believe that medication should not be the first line of defense. In my experience with imposter syndrome, I have found that a support network is incredibly important. Having people in your life who you can express your perceived inadequacy to helps alleviate some of the stress and articulate the root of the issue you are wrestling with. It can even mitigate the overwhelmingness of the situation. Speaking with a counsellor or psychiatrist can also be helpful to work through the emotions involved with imposter syndrome. Very interesting read, thank you!
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Gazelle, G. (2019). How overcoming the imposter syndrome decreases physician burnout. Retrieved from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/how-overcoming-the-imposter-syndrome-decreases-physician-burnout.html.