15: Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Understanding Anxiety in the Medical Professional

Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Understanding Anxiety in the Medical Professional

Host: Dr. Nate Jones

Guest: Dr. Bianca Busch, The College Psychiatrist

Introduction & Background

Dr. Nate Jones fills in as host while Steven takes time off to study for boards.

Introduction to the accomplished guest, Dr. Bianca Busch, fondly called the college psychiatrist. She is the founder and CEO of her company named “The College Psychiatrist”. Dr. Bush completed her residency at the University of Chicago and pursued her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harvard’s Boston Children’s Hospital. Now serving patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond, you can find more about her services and reach on her official website.

Understanding Anxiety

Dr. Busch elucidates that anxiety is a natural human response, aiding in preparing the body for unforeseen events or dangers. While a certain amount of anxiety is healthy and essential, excessive and debilitating anxiety hinders daily functioning.

Current statistics indicate that about 40% of the population exhibit symptoms of anxiety or depression, yet only about 3% get diagnosed with generalized anxiety. The various anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias like arachnophobia (fear of spiders), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Among Physicians

A deep dive into how anxiety manifests in physicians, especially those of color. One of the common manifestations is the avoidance of tasks, such as delaying note-taking due to the uncertainty of information or fear of inadequacy.

Particularly in physicians of color, the pressure to perform can be immense, leading to heightened anxiety. The episode touches on the distinctions between being an introvert and having a social anxiety disorder, and the ways anxiety can manifest in avoiding social interactions or even avoiding day-to-day responsibilities.

Resources:

Therapy for Black Girls

The College Psychiatrist

SNMA AMEC Registration

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In-house music and audio production, so any ideas for improvements or suggestions for future guests are welcome. Visit www.StevenBradleyMD.com to learn more about our host. He is available for consultations or speaking engagements regarding health equity and medical ethics.


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