Imposter Syndrome (IS): Discussion & Seeking Treatment

Imposter Syndrome (IS) also known as Imposter Phenomenon (IP), is a condition that was first described in 1978 by Suzanne Imes, PhD and Pauline Rose Clarence, PhD. While Imposter Syndrome is not a recognized DSM-V diagnosis, it is frequently observed, discussed and treated by mental health professionals. I will often see it manifest as a symptom of anxiety, low self-esteem, depression or even trauma, so it will often be one of several symptoms that I am treating concurrently in a patient. It is additionally a term, that is frequently used by the public in casual conversation, to describe how they, or others, may be feeling. The fundamental characteristics of Imposter Syndrome are that individuals experience distress due to self-doubt. They may doubt their intelligence, their capabilities, and/or accomplishments for example, despite evidence that they are indeed intelligent, capable and deserving of any accolades.

Unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome can affect individuals in many (if not all) aspects of their lives. If someone doubts their self-worth or their competency, it makes sense that those feelings may lead to struggles with work, their relationships, their homelives etc. It can even extend to how someone feels about their ability to parent, or be there for their children.

Perfectionism is a trait that is often seen in individuals who suffer from Imposter Syndrome. A perfectionistic individual can be their own worst critic, and an unfortunate consequence of that, can be an overall self-doubt, regarding one’s capabilities, intelligence and/or accomplishments (IS). Some of the earliest discussions of imposter syndrome noted that many individuals suffering with (IS), were members of marginalized groups. For example, successful women, who did not feel that they deserved their success, or felt that they were frauds at work (having the concern that their colleagues would realize they had no place in their role and they would be embarrassed or let go). In my private practice in Philadelphia, I’ve treated several extremely successful men within the LGBTQIA+ community, who suffered from Imposter Syndrome. In these cases, it seemed that bullying, feeling out-of-place as a child, not “fitting in” with peers, and emotional trauma, may have caused a predisposition to constantly question self-worth, competency and intellect, despite being some of the most successful individuals that I have met.

Feelings of inadequacy, can cause significant mental health struggles. It is not uncommon for individuals who suffer from Anxiety or Depression for example, to suffer from Imposter Syndrome, and it is also not uncommon for individuals with Imposter Syndrome to become overly Anxious and Depressed, due to their IS. This can be a vicious cycle. Perfectionism leading to a Fear of Failure, can cause procrastination, and even avoidance, leading to actual problems with school, work and relationships. It’s sad, that someone’s negative self-talk, could actually limit their full potential, when in-fact, that person is fully capable of excelling.

The good news is that feelings of inadequacy, even if rooted in childhood emotional trauma or marginalization, can respond very well to treatment. If an individual’s primary difficulty is Imposter Syndrome, psychotherapy with a well-trained clinician, such as one of our Cognitive Behavioral or Psychodynamic Psychotherapists at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, can be very helpful in reformulating feelings of self-worth. If an individual suffers from an Anxiety or Depressive Disorder primarily, and this leads to increased self-criticizing and symptoms of imposter syndrome, then an evaluation with one of our Psychiatrists to discuss not only psychotherapy, but the medical management of their underlying mood or anxiety disorder, would be the best next step.

Despite Imposter Syndrome not being in the DSM-V as an official psychiatric diagnosis, you are NOT alone if you suffer from it. It is real, and it can be treated.

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