The Hindu : Karnataka News : Stress causing psychological problems in IT professionals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 31, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Stress causing psychological problems in IT professionals

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JAN. 30. Work-related concerns such as severe competition, unrealistic expectations from superiors, being achievement oriented, lack of job security, and the inability to accept failure have led to a host of psychological problems among software professionals.

The enormity of the situation came to light at a session on "Psychological concerns as occupational hazards among computer professionals" by Brunda Amruthraj, consulting clinical psychologist at Zeidgeist, here on Saturday.

The session is part of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which was inaugurated at the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences on Friday.

According to Dr. Amruthraj, people working in the field of information technology (IT) go through a lot of anxiety, depression and loneliness because of their work environment and often exhibit feelings of inadequacy, lowered self-esteem and dissatisfaction. This reflects itself in the form of social, marital and sexual problems.

Coping methods

Apart from working with the individual to treat the psychological concerns of IT professionals, it is also necessary to address the management of a company.

Some of the methods that can be used to help professionals overcome stress and help them lead a balanced life are relaxation training, cognitive therapy, and assertiveness training, Dr. Amruthraj added.

According to Padmini Prasad, Director of the Institute of Sexual Medicine, 40 per cent of the couples visiting infertility clinics are computer professionals.

Long working hours, stress and pressure at work, night shifts, and lack of sleep can lead to various sexual problems, she said.

Many of the couples who come to infertility clinics for artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilisation and for other associated reproductive techniques are IT professionals, Ms. Prasad added.

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