Stress Addiction in Health Care: The Dark Side of the Moon

The high-stakes environment of operating rooms (ORs) and intensive care units (ICUs) often comprises a unique psychological phenomenon among medical professionals, which can be referred to as stress addiction.Anesthesiologists and intensivists, who frequently make critical decisions under extreme pressure, can develop a paradoxical dependence on the adrenaline rush that accompanies their daily work.This leads to dependency on high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.Working for longer hours and without any leaves or vacations, in the long run, may have social and personal consequences.This is often overlooked by critical care societies; rather, such work culture is often rewarded.By recognizing and addressing stress addiction, we can work better, ultimately providing better care for our patients while protecting their own well-being.