Drs. Schwenk and Leja Reply

Letter to the Editor

Sir: We appreciate the perceptive comments of Dr. Youssef
and agree that depressed physicians may have a unique approach
to their work when they become depressed. Physicians
may use work as a way to cope with their feelings of inadequacy
by working harder and longer and becoming even more dedicated
and meticulous in their care. However, it is not clear that
this type of depression should be labeled as "hyperfunctioning."