Pioneering research exploring the experiences of autistic psychiatrists has revealed that psychiatrists who are unaware that they themselves are autistic may fail to recognize the condition in their patients. The study, conducted by researchers from University College Dublin, London South Bank University, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, is the first of its kind to delve into the lives of neurodivergent psychiatrists. It was published today in BJPsych Open .
"Knowing that you are autistic can be positively life-changing," said the study author Dr. Mary Doherty, Clinical Associate Professor at UCD School of Medicine. "However, more than 187,000 people in England are waiting for an autism assessment.
The situation worsens if psychiatrists, unaware of their own autism, misdiagnose patients. Recognition could benefit both psychiatrists and the patients they serve." The research team, comprised of medical professionals and academics who are neurodivergent themselves, conducted in-depth interviews with eight senior UK-based psychiatrists, six of whom are consultants, working across the NHS.
Their specialties ranged from Child and Adolescent Mental Health to adult services, including intellectual disability. The study explored how these psychiatrists came to realize they were autistic, often through personal experiences such as their child's diagnosis or by recognizing similarities between themselves and autistic patients . Remarkably, some were even identified as autistic by the.