Aim: The present study explores diagnostic methods for the early recognition of chronic stress and its consequences for the health of physicians. A further object was to identify high-risk groups within a sample group of physicians. Methods: With aid of the questionnaires “Trierer Inventar zum chronischen Stress” (TICS: Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress) and the Burnout questionnaire I and II (“BOSS I + II”), of which the latter two have not yet been completely validated, a sample of n = 68 physicians was investigated. The data were evaluated by descriptive and statistical methods (correlation, regression and factor analysis and T-tests). Results: In comparison with physicians with long-term job experience, higher than average stress levels were reported especially by young physicians who had worked in their current job for 3—6 years. Within this group 25—50 % of the physicians report that they suffer from chronic stress. Conclusion: Preventive prophylactic measures should focus not only on the aspect “job” but should also take into account family, social and private factors. Preventive measures should be embedded in a systemic and integrative healthcare model. Subgroups should be identified and intervention adapted to meet the specific situation.
