Objective:

To investigate the associations of autistic-like traits (ALTs) and ADHD-like traits (ADHLTs) with burnout, depression, anxiety, and empathy among junior medical residents.

Approach:

• Study Design: Cross-sectional study involving 148 junior residents from two teaching hospitals in Japan.
• Measures: Participants completed validated measures for ALTs, ADHLTs, burnout, depression, anxiety, empathy, and psychological flexibility/inflexibility.
• Statistical Analysis: Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted, along with exploratory mediation analyses using structural equation modeling.

Key Findings:

• Prevalence of ALTs and ADHLTs was 23.6% for each trait.
• ALTs were linked to lower personal accomplishment, higher depression and anxiety, and lower physician–patient empathy.
• ADHLTs were associated with greater emotional exhaustion.
• Psychological flexibility processes, particularly progress toward values, mediated the associations between ALTs and personal accomplishment, depression, anxiety, and empathy.
• Cognitive fusion was a significant mediator between ADHLTs and emotional exhaustion.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

• Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
• Sample size may not be representative of all junior medical residents.

Conclusion:

Sources:

• Clinical Trial Registration