Imposter Syndrome: How Questioning My Achievement Can Hold Me Back

Although imposter syndrome is not a disorder recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the phenomenon can have a major impact on our lives and it is not uncommon at all. The self-doubt found in the syndrome can manifest itself in the individual’s work, home, school, and relationships. Such feelings can contribute to episodes of fear, anxiety, and stress. In the workplace, the imposter syndrome could lead to poor performance, a drop in job performance and job satisfaction, and an increase in burnout.