Imposter Syndrome

1. Evaluate & Diagnose

Our psychiatric provider will conduct a thorough evaluation to explore whether imposter syndrome is connected to other mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression. You’ll discuss specific situations, such as how you feel when praised or challenged, and identify thinking patterns that reinforce self-doubt. Techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy are often introduced to challenge and replace distorted beliefs. You may also be encouraged to track your accomplishments, practice receiving positive feedback, and adjust unrealistic expectations.

Support groups can also be helpful, especially when you hear others describe similar experiences and realize that imposter feelings are more common than you thought.

2. Prescribe & Monitor Medication

Although imposter syndrome is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, the emotional distress associated with it may warrant clinical attention. If symptoms such as anxiety, panic, or depression begin to interfere with daily functioning, a mental health provider may recommend treatment options to help restore emotional stability.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to address underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms. For individuals experiencing performance anxiety or acute panic, short-term medications such as beta blockers or anxiolytics may be considered for use on an as-needed basis.

That said, psychiatric medication is not always the first step. Psychotherapy is often considered a first-line treatment and can be highly effective on its own. Medication is typically recommended only when symptoms are more severe, persistent, or when psychotherapy alone has not provided sufficient relief. In such cases, a combination of medication management and psychotherapy is often the most comprehensive approach.

Each treatment plan is carefully tailored to your individual needs and goals through a collaborative and personalized approach to care, based on your symptoms and preferences, with adjustments made as needed while supporting self-care routines to prevent burnout.

3. Coordinate Ongoing Care

Changing long-held thought patterns takes time and consistent effort. Through regular follow-up appointments, our psychiatric provider will help you monitor progress, identify new challenges, and celebrate growth. For example, if you earn a promotion or gain entry into a competitive program, our provider can help you navigate the wave of self-doubt that often follows success.

You may revisit therapy strategies, track your accomplishments, or schedule check-ins during stressful transitions. If you are taking medication, our provider will evaluate its continued benefit and adjust the plan when appropriate. Relapse prevention is also part of the treatment process, especially since imposter feelings may resurface under pressure.