Feeling like an imposter?

Imposter phenomenon (IP) mainly afflicts high achievers and people with perfectionist tendencies.²

It’s most common at early career stages or at times of transition, and in careers that have high levels of expectation and a high cost of mistakes.³

More than low self-confidence, IP involves a pattern of thinking where success is attributed to factors beyond our control, and a constant fear of exposure, isolation and rejection.⁴ These thoughts can be overwhelming, affecting mental health and causing people to change careers or decide to not go on with their training.⁵

Syndrome or phenomenon?

Although imposter syndrome is the term commonly used, it was actually first (and more accurately) documented as imposter phenomenon⁶ – because IP is not a diagnosable condition as the term ‘syndrome’ suggests.

If you answered ‘often’ or ‘always’ to most of these questions, you may be experiencing IP. Please note these results are not an official diagnosis – if you have concerns, talk to your GP or mental health provider.

It can help to:

• talk about what you’re going through with someone else^3,5 
• focus on what you’re doing well and acknowledge your success^2,3
• pay attention to situations where you feel like an imposter and challenge these thoughts with evidence.²

Resources

Stay tuned for our podcasts on this topic to learn more about IP and strategies to manage IP feelings.

These podcasts are tailored for doctors in early stages of their career and will be available soon at mdanational.com.au/advice-and-support/library/podcasts.

References

1.   Shorten K. High-Achievers Suffering From ‘Imposter Syndrome’. Available here.
2.   Gazelle G. How Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome Decreases Physician Burnout. Available here.
3.   Stark J. Am I Normal? Imposter Syndrome. Available here.
4.   Trehan D. Imposter Syndrome is a Growing Problem for Young People. Available here.
5.   Lewin E. 'I Thought It Was Just Me': Registrars and Impostor Syndrome. Available here.
6.   Clance P, Imes S. The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. Available here.