Reichbach Center Offers Options for Impostor Syndrome, Mental Health
From college students to corporate executives, many Americans experience feeling like a fraud, which describes the phenomenon known as impostor syndrome. The experts at Reichbach Center — a national center for the treatment of chronic pain and mental health disorders — offer some symptoms and warning signs for one of the nation’s most prevalent psychological occurrences. Patients, parents and caregivers seeking treatment for mental health needs are encouraged to call (941) 213-4444 to learn about their options or to be seen in Sarasota at 2415 University Parkway, Building 3, Suite 215.
Despite one’s competence in their field or position, a number of social and psychological factors can contribute to impostor syndrome to create a different experience of reality that causes self-doubt and significant stress. Over time, that mental and emotional state can take a toll and create anxiety and a potential for depression. While this phenomenon has become widely discussed regarding academic and professional achievement, impostor syndrome is not a formal clinical diagnosis. Those who have common symptoms of this syndrome may begin to experience high levels of anxiety that they are unwilling or unable to recognize due to their general mental state, particularly in their academic or professional life.
Recognizing the signs of impostor syndrome soon can help with intervention. Common symptoms attributed to the impostor syndrome phenomenon include:
- Fear of expectations: excessive worry and guilt regarding the perception of success or failure from co-workers, classmates or colleagues.
- Perfectionism: fixation on mistakes and doubt regarding abilities and expertise.
- Disbelieving one’s merits: downplaying praise, recognition and other achievements as luck or a result of other external factors.
- Hypercritical: self-scolding over performance, even with good or average outcomes.
- Inaccurate self-perception: consistent inability to realistically gauge one’s own competence or abilities.
- Overachieving: a compulsive need to attain markers of success and meet challenging goals to prove self-worth.
“Anxiety of all types can be a debilitating struggle, and some forms can be more covert than others,” says Reichbach Center President and founder Dr. Steven Reichbach. “If someone is struggling but doesn’t believe they even should be, it makes getting support difficult, but at Reichbach Center, we believe everyone deserves relief, and we can help families and their loved ones navigate this syndrome with the right resources.”
Dr. Reichbach is a graduate of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. He trained in internal medicine at Staten Island University Hospital and completed his anesthesiology residency at Stony Brook University while also receiving specialty training in pain management and pediatrics. Dr. Reichbach has been board-certified in anesthesiology since 1994, and he has worked with ketamine for more than 20 years. Before moving to Sarasota in 2015, he practiced as a partner with an anesthesiology group in New York for nearly two decades. Dr. Reichbach is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Medical Association and the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment at Reichbach Center, call (941) 213-4444.