Tabla. Síntomas del síndrome de ‘hubris’ en líderes políticos [4]. |
1. Propensión narcisista a ver el mundo como un escenario donde ejercitar el poder y buscar la gloria |
2. Tendencia a realizar acciones para autoglorificarse y ensalzar y mejorar su propia imagen |
3. Preocupación desmedida por la imagen y la presentación |
4. Modo mesiánico de hablar sobre asuntos corrientes y tendencia a la exaltación |
5. Identificación con la nación, el estado y la organización |
6. Tendencia a hablar de sí mismo en tercera persona y usar la forma regia de nosotros |
7. Excesiva confianza en su propio juicio y desprecio por el de los demás |
8. Autoconfianza exagerada, tendencia a la omnipotencia |
9. Creencia de que no deben rendir cuentas a sus iguales, colegas o a la sociedad, sino ante cortes más elevadas: la historia o Dios |
10. Creencia firme de que dicha corte les absolverá |
11. Pérdida de contacto con la realidad: aislamiento progresivo |
12. Inquietud, imprudencia, impulsividad |
13. Convencimiento de la rectitud moral de sus propuestas ignorando los costes |
14. Incompetencia ‘hubrística’ por excesiva autoconfianza y falta de atención a los detalles |
Hubris syndrome in neurosurgery Introduction. Hubris syndrome (HS) is an acquired psychiatric disorder that affects people who exercise power in any of its forms. It has been reported in many fields, from politics to finance. The physician-patient relationship is also one of power. A lack of humbleness and empathy in this situation can lead to qualities such as self-confidence and self-assurance becoming pride, arrogance and high-handedness, which characterise a doctor suffering from HS. Aims. To identify the symptoms of HS in the medical setting that make it easier to diagnose and to help healthcare organisations anticipate and mitigate its consequences. Development. The diagnostic criteria for HS initially reported in political leaders with government responsibilities are analysed and transferred to the medical field of neurosurgery. Two forms of medical HS are described and ten diagnostic criteria are proposed that are valid for any physician-patient relationship. Conclusions. HS is an acquired psychiatric disorder that is triggered by power and enhanced by success, and can easily be observed on a daily basis in physicians working in settings that are very close to us. Early identification of these medical behaviours is necessary to be able to mitigate their consequences. Key words. Arrogance. High-handedness. Hubris. Nemesis. Power. Pride. |