Can I become a doctor if I have severe anxiety?

[biogirl236]

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[Rainbow Zebra]

I would discuss this with your psychiatrist. They can offer you advice on the severity of your illness, and the likelihood of success in medical education. Good Luck to you.,

 

[The O.R. Light]

I believe illness should not keep you from anything. To be a bit personal, I have PTSD. I've been abused in my life, but medicine was my saving grace.

That being said, it's all about balance. Talk with your psychiatrist about how this can be achieved. What matters is that you respond to medicine in a good way, what would help is knowing how to balance medicine with caring for yourself. What does your doctor suggest about ways to self care? When medicine changes, what are warning signs you can be aware of that you can catch and treat early before they become crippling?

I know MANY medical students with an illness who pull through just fine. You will too, just know and care for yourself well. Get a strong support network of a few friends in class you trust who can help when it gets hard, it makes my time easier when I need it.

If you want this bad enough, you WILL make this happen just like many have before you.

 

[w0rldw3y3d]

You should be fine as long as you are good to yourself. The problem I have heard with med students with anxiety or depression is that they beat themselves up in med school about being "mediocre". Some never get over this, and quit or fail out.

You also just have to be honest with yourself when it comes time to pick a specialty. If you know you have anxiety issues, perhaps trauma and other excessively high stress fields would not be a good fit for you. Not that you can't do it, but it comes back being good to yourself. Why would you want to do a job that causes you to stress yourself sick?

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

I don't think anyone here can give you a definitive answer. Only you, with the help of professionals, can determine if your coping mechanisms are adequate for surviving the stress of med school. That said, I'm sure you're aware that tons of med students suffer from some sort of anxiety, and do just fine.

@NickNaylor, can you lend the OP some of your expertise?

 

[intangible]

Most people struggle with some kind of depression, anxiety or otherwise mental illness, period. Including physicians.

Think of it this way—your anxiety only exists within you. It's a part of you, like your hair color or your height. You alone have the ability to accept it for what it is. Manage it. From there, realize that you are the only person in your way; YOU should put yourself first and chase your dreams while you still can.

Besides, if you don't have some kind of anxiety as a premedical student, you're probably a liar. Everyone struggles with these unwanted and intrusive thoughts sometimes. Consider mindful meditation.

You can do this.

 

[Law2Doc]

We cannot give you advice without knowing the extent of your issues. However medicine is a very stressful and anxiety provoking job, and during your training you will be under constant pressure to make smart decisions quickly. So it is not the right field for everybody, and I would ignore those posts who suggest that if its your dream illness should not keep you from it. Sorry but it's about more people than you. For the same reasons we don't let people with seizure issues pilot planes we don't want people unable to care for patients 100% of the time working alone on the wards. This isn't about choosing the right specialty -- all specialties are going to require some amount of call and flying solo. So you and your doctor need to do some serious soul searching to decide if this is something you can do, not merely something you want. It really isn't for everyone, and the opportunities to hurt people are plentiful.

 

[Law2Doc]

Most people struggle with some kind of depression, anxiety or otherwise mental illness, period. Including physicians...

Not really. Everyone has times they feel nervous or off their game. But I'd say it's a minority who are actually actively struggling with mental illness. your post above is not accurate.

Do some people with depression and mental illness figure out a way to lick it and become good doctors? Absolutely. But let's not pretend all can or do.

 

[NickNaylor]

As long as you're actively seeking treatment and you're able to function with treatment (and it sounds like you can based on your post) I don't see why this would be a problem. I dealt with anxiety myself (though I wouldn't consider it severe) and it was something that I was able to deal with. One of my co-residents as bone ride OCD and has been successfully treated for some time and is doing well in our program.

I don't think there is any reason why this would hold you back based on what you've stated.

 

[intangible]

Not really. Everyone has times they feel nervous or off their game. But I'd say it's a minority who are actually actively struggling with mental illness. your post above is not accurate.

Do some people with depression and mental illness figure out a way to lick it and become good doctors? Absolutely. But let's not pretend all can or do.

I didn't necessarily say that everyone has the resources and tools necessary ($$$) to overcome adversities like this, but because she's already noted that she's managing the anxiety with medication (which I'm assuming is being supplemented with CBT, or has been in the past), I'm pretty confident that she can be greater than her illness.

You're a physician, isn't it your job to help people up, instead of looking down in disdain? Give OP the BOTD.

 

[WGSgrad]

I didn't necessarily say that everyone has the resources and tools necessary ($$$) to overcome adversities like this, but because she's already noted that she's managing the anxiety with medication (which I'm assuming is being supplemented with CBT, or has been in the past), I'm pretty confident that she can be greater than her illness.

You're a physician, isn't it your job to help people up, instead of looking down in disdain? Give OP the BOTD.

I don't think it's about giving the OP the benefit of the doubt or not. And I don't think Law2Doc was overly dismissive. I think all he/she/they asked was that the OP be realistic about the unique challenges they face in pursuing a medical career, the unique challenges the study and practice of medicine presents, and the necessity of awareness (and consideration) as to how their pursuit of this particular career could impact themselves and others.

While I would certainly never argue that we are all equal in the challenges (obstacles) we face to become medical professionals, I think that we could all benefit from individually engaging these same questions (considerations).

 

[intangible]

I don't think it's about giving the OP the benefit of the doubt or not. And I don't think Law2Doc was overly dismissive. I think all he/she/they asked was that the OP be realistic about the unique challenges they face in pursuing a medical career, the unique challenges the study and practice of medicine presents, and the necessity of awareness (and consideration) as to how their pursuit of this particular career could impact themselves and others.

While I would certainly never argue that we are all equal in the challenges (obstacles) we face to become medical professionals, I think that we could all benefit from individually engaging these same questions (considerations).

Her OP is really simmering with indifference and undue optimism about the medical profession and its unique challenges. It's anxiety—one of the most prevalent mental illnesses on the planet—not an intellectual disability.

She just wants to know that there's someone out there who is like her. The need for validation is within all of us, but especially so in someone who has anxiety and worries about their future. I would err on the side of comforting what could easily be your future patient, than putting her down and feeding her confirmation bias as she contemplates what she's going to do with the rest of her life.

 

[Law2Doc]

...
You're a physician, isn't it your job to help people up, instead of looking down in disdain? ...

First I didn't say I had disdain for the OP or even say the OP couldn't do this. I said some people with these issues can't, that medicine isn't the right path for everyone, and that OP should do some serious soul searching before launching down this path. Second, the job of Doctor is not to help people up so they can fall, taking out a few patients on the way down. Sometimes the best role of a doctor is to help people see the truth.

 

[Goro]

Medical school is a furnace, and I've seen it break even healthy students.

if your anxiety can be kept 100% under control, you're fine. But if not, I can't recommend this career path.

Mental illness is the #1 reason students either fail out at my school, are dismissed, or fail to graduate with their peers.

So make sure your psychiatrist is on board with this.

This has just been a fact of my life. It's something I have to deal with on a daily basis. I've gone through therapy and have been given medication. With the right medication I am functional as best as 95% of the average person's ability who is not plagued by obsessive thoughts. So it's not too bad, just some annoying thoughts that I deal with.

But when I transition medications, crippling, debilitating anxiety comes back which I must fight through.
Should I consider a different career path? Mentally I have been gifted with quite an intellect at the cost of significant anxiety.

Medicine has always been my passion. Should my psychological illness keep me from pursuing my lifelong dream? What are your thoughts?

And to follow up on my learned colleague's sage words, OP came here for realistic advice, not hugs and kisses.

You're a physician, isn't it your job to help people up, instead of looking down in disdain? Give OP the BOTD

 

[WGSgrad]

Her OP is really simmering with indifference and undue optimism about the medical profession and its unique challenges. It's anxiety—one of the most prevalent mental illnesses on the planet—not an intellectual disability.

She just wants to know that there's someone out there who is like her. The need for validation is within all of us, but especially so in someone who has anxiety and worries about their future. I would err on the side of comforting what could easily be your future patient, than putting her down and feeding her confirmation bias as she contemplates what she's going to do with the rest of her life.

I think this is where we principally differ: I don't think I, or anyone in this thread, was putting the OP down. Given the responses the OP could have received on a public forum, I think the responses the OP received here were incredibly civil, in some respect informed (Law2Doc is an attending physician who has experienced the stress and challenges that the OP, myself, and others can only begin to imagine), and measured.

Furthermore, I think that so easily dismissing the challenges the OP will face in the pursuit of medicine (with or without the challenges presented by an extreme anxiety) is far more dangerous than the idea that 'bias confirming' responses might dissuade them from the practice of medicine. They didn't ask, "Is someone out there like me?" They asked, "Should my psychological illness keep me from pursuing my lifelong dream?" AND then they asked, "What are your thoughts?" The members of this forum provided honest and constructive responses based on their experiences. Anything less would not have been honest or in service to the OP.

As to comforting...at the end of the day, as a patient, I would certainly appreciate a physician who leans towards being honest with me as opposed to comforting me. While I can not be sure long term impact, effectiveness, or outcome of comfort, I can be certain that their honesty will help me to make better more informed choices.

 

[intangible]

First I didn't say I had disdain for the OP or even say the OP couldn't do this. I said some people with these issues can't, that medicine isn't the right path for everyone, and that OP should do some serious soul searching before launching down this path. Second, the job of Doctor is not to help people up so they can fall, taking out a few patients on the way down. Sometimes the best role of a doctor is to help people see the truth.

Considering the general attitude of folks on the forums, you have to understand where I'm coming from. I've personally struggled with anxiety and depression myself, and have had to overcome some serious obstacles to get to where I am. I see myself where the OP was, a few years ago, and I, like her, doubted my own ability to pursue medicine, given my personal traits

It took the faith of my mentors, a PhD, and 3 MD/PhDs, to stay in biology and forge ahead on the path to medicine. And I've been massively successful: accepted to medical schools, with an extended network of physicians and academics behind me to vouch for my quality of work.

Sometimes, what people here need is just a simple "go get 'em." It takes a certain level of intelligence to pursue medicine: I think she's well aware of what medicine might entail and the physical, mental, and emotional struggle of getting there.

All I'm saying is, think about what it was like, before you knew you'd come down this path, and how immeasurably high the standards were to get to where you are. I think people need a smidge more compassion around here, especially as "healers."

I think this is where we principally differ: I don't think I, or anyone in this thread, was putting the OP down. Given the responses the OP could have received on a public forum, I think the responses the OP received here were incredibly civil, in some respect informed (Law2Doc is an attending physician who has experienced the stress and challenges that the OP, myself, and others can only begin to imagine), and measured.

Furthermore, I think that so easily dismissing the challenges the OP will face in the pursuit of medicine (with or without the challenges presented by an extreme anxiety) is far more dangerous than the idea that 'bias confirming' responses might dissuade them from the practice of medicine. They didn't ask, "Is someone out there like me?" They asked, "Should my psychological illness keep me from pursuing my lifelong dream?" AND then they asked, "What are your thoughts?" The members of this forum provided honest and constructive responses based on their experiences. Anything less would not have been honest or in service to the OP.

As to comforting...at the end of the day, as a patient, I would certainly appreciate a physician who leans towards being honest with me as opposed to comforting me. While I can not be sure long term impact, effectiveness, or outcome of comfort, I can be certain that their honesty will help me to make better more informed choices.

"95% functional" seems really extreme, especially having been through therapy and actively on medication. Give me a break—this girl isn't suicidal and I'm pretty sure that everyone who has stepped foot in a hospital has encountered a physician who needs a consult or five on the psych floor.

 

[lalex]

Just work 5% harder, you're clearly functional. Unless you're lying to yourself, you're more than good buddy. I have severe anxiety and I have not found a medication to help yet. I am the example of -> probably would not be good in medical school.

 

[WGSgrad]

Considering the general attitude of folks on the forums, you have to understand where I'm coming from. I've personally struggled with anxiety and depression myself, and have had to overcome some serious obstacles to get to where I am. I see myself where the OP was, a few years ago, and I, like her, doubted my own ability to pursue medicine, given my personal traits

It took the faith of my mentors, a PhD, and 3 MD/PhDs, to stay in biology and forge ahead on the path to medicine. And I've been massively successful: accepted to medical schools, with an extended network of physicians and academics behind me to vouch for my quality of work.

Sometimes, what people here need is just a simple "go get 'em." It takes a certain level of intelligence to pursue medicine: I think she's well aware of what medicine might entail and the physical, mental, and emotional struggle of getting there.

All I'm saying is, think about what it was like, before you knew you'd come down this path, and how immeasurably high the standards were to get to where you are. I think people need a smidge more compassion around here, especially as "healers."



1) "95% functional" seems really extreme, especially having been through therapy and actively on medication. Give me a break— 2) this girl isn't suicidal and I'm pretty sure that everyone who has stepped foot in a hospital has encountered a physician who needs a consult or five on the psych floor.

1. What does that even mean? As measured against a function of his/her own functionality? Someone else's? Is that something his or her therapist told them, self assessment...IDK...
2. You must operate with some omniscience to which I can only make pretenses...
3. I think you, the OP, and this thread would have been better served from you presenting your own experiences, and offering your advice as the OP asked rather than chiding the other posters.

In all seriousness, there isn't really anything else constructive I can offer this thread,so I'm going to excuse myself. I wish you and the OP the best.

 

[biogirl236]

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[familyaerospace]

Medical school is a furnace, and I've seen it break even healthy students.

if your anxiety can be kept 100% under control, you're fine. But if not, I can't recommend this career path.

Mental illness is the #1 reason students either fail out at my school, are dismissed, or fail to graduate with their peers.

So make sure your psychiatrist is on board with this.

Listen to @Goro

I have extreme anxiety which was kept under control with only using PRN meds (I am the one who thinks meds are a last resort). My doctors said I looked like I would be more than fine in medical school. Then medical school happened and I had what only can be described as literally the semester from hell. Breakins, assault, drunks, etc. And that is all just at my house. I ended up with severe PTSD. I had to take a medical LOA to see if I can get it under control.

 

[biogirl236]

Listen to @Goro

I have extreme anxiety which was kept under control with only using PRN meds (I am the one who thinks meds are a last resort). My doctors said I looked like I would be more than fine in medical school. Then medical school happened and I had what only can be described as literally the semester from hell. Breakins, assault, drunks, etc. And that is all just at my house. I ended up with severe PTSD. I had to take a medical LOA to see if I can get it under control.

I am so sorry that your experience did not go as you hoped. I wish you the very best in the path to recovery. I am certain you can get to a place where you can once again work toward your dreams. I strongly advise you to seek therapy, and medication to treat your severe anxiety can make things a lot easier for you. Life doesn't have to be this difficult.

 

[familyaerospace]

I am so sorry that your experience did not go as you hoped. I wish you the very best in the path to recovery. I am certain you can get to a place where you can once again work toward your dreams. I strongly advise you to seek therapy, and medication to treat your severe anxiety can make things a lot easier for you. Life doesn't have to be this difficult.

My neurologist went immediately to put me on daily anti-anxiety medications within a week of the assault. That took away the ability to form new memories which was the adverse reaction I had. The next one he tried gave me seizures. Then my PCP got involved and gave me something that made me suicidal. This is why I have issues with meds, I am very sensitive to them. While all of this was occurring, my school tried to block my LOA. Once the LOA was granted, I lost my therapist who I liked very much, but thanks.

There is a few month waiting period to be seen around here for psychologist and psychiatrists.

 

[Mad Jack]

You can do it, but, as @Goro alluded to, it will push you too your breaking point. Whether you'll come out the other side broken or a better person no one can know. Dare I say, medical school forced me to develop coping skills to handle many of my issues. It's sink or swim, and you'll find out pretty quickly whether you're going to drown or not.