Murdoch & Eagles (Psychiatric Bulletin, April 2007, 31, 128–131) list a number of stress factors identified by consultant psychiatrists. Conspicuous by its absence is any reference to stressful relationships with colleagues. Are we a profession in denial? Any internet search for information regarding causes of work-related stress (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk) will indicate that a well-recognised cause is relationships with colleagues. This was alluded to by Mackirdy (Psychiatric Bulletin, August 2006, 30, 283–285). Specifically, she cautioned that specialised teams can lead to ‘boundaries which can deepen into dangerous chasms unless energy is specifically directed into border diplomacy and efficiency.’

Murdoch & Eagles quite rightly suggest that given our understanding of stress it would be ‘unfortunate if we do not utilise these skills to our mutual benefit in combating work-related stress.’ Of course, as anyone with a basic grasp of problem-solving knows, clearly identifying the problem is key to solving it.