Mental health in the veterinary profession: search and analysis of scientific literature

Burnout syndrome is a mental state characterized by the presence of prolonged stress, which results in emotional exhaustion, low motivation at work, chronic fatigue and inefficiency. It is a state that must be detected and properly controlled to prevent it from evolving into more serious conditions.

Both clinical veterinarians and veterinary students tend to have a higher risk of suicide, burnout and depression than other professional groups.

A study conducted in 2021 aimed to understand, based on scientific literature published between 1985-2019, the phenomena affecting these professionals and to suggest possible changes needed in university admission, curricula and postgraduate initiatives as preventive actions.

211 publications were selected where the terms with the most weight were “student, stress, work, depression and euthanasia”.

The analysis of themes made it possible to differentiate groups of words giving rise to three areas of interest:

• One area grouped 56 publications on the difficulties encountered by veterinary students during their career which increased stress and anxiety, causing emotional exhaustion.
• Another area grouped 90 articles and its contents underlined the exposure to death and euthanasia as risk factor for mental health deterioration in the profession.
• The last area brought together 65 publications with words advocating the need for support among staff and teamwork.

Once aware of the high incidence of emotional exhaustion and burnout syndrome in the veterinary sector, the next question to ask is how to avoid this stress.

Among the conclusions of the study, it is highlighted that university curricula should train students in emotion management, psychology, adapting to change and communication with the animal owner, in addition to preparation for dealing with pet death and/or euthanasia.

Regarding the organizational structure of the centers, teamwork should be promoted and interpersonal factors such as excessive schedules and solitary responsibilities or shifts that do not reconcile social and family life should be addressed.

Finally, veterinary continuing education, in addition to updating and broadening knowledge, can help to manage psychological well-being.

Brscic. M et al (2021) Challenging suicide, burnout and depression among veterinary practitioners and students: text mining and topics modelling analysis of the scientific literature Lugar: BMC Veterinary Research.
DOI:34488757