Imposter feelings are the persistent belief that your success is due to luck and that others overrate you.
They are especially common in high-achieving, competitive fields such as medicine.
Key concepts
- It is a pattern of thinking, not a diagnosis
- Talking about it reduces its power — many peers feel the same
- Linked with anxiety, depression and burnout
Symptoms and signs
- Dismissing praise as luck
- Over-preparing out of fear
- Avoiding questions in rounds for fear of looking ignorant
Causes
- Constant evaluation and hierarchy
- Comparison with high-performing peers
- Perfectionist personality
Risk factors
- First-generation professionals
- Long duty hours and sleep loss
- Public criticism in the workplace
Evidence-based management
- Keep a record of positive feedback and achievements
- Reframe mistakes as part of learning
- Peer support groups and mentorship
- Confidential professional help when distress grows
When to seek professional help
- Students and parents can book an online consultation, including from coaching hostels
- Persistent low mood, exhaustion or thoughts of quitting
- Any talk of not wanting to live — call Tele-MANAS 14416 or emergency services now
Frequently asked questions
Will seeking help affect my medical career?
Consultations are confidential under the MHCA 2017. Untreated illness poses more risk than treatment.
Do senior doctors feel this too?
Yes, many do. Sharing such experiences is a powerful part of mentoring.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- Depressive disorder (depression) — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- Tele-MANAS — National Tele Mental Health Programme. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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