Stress levels among GPs have reached the highest peak since 1998, according to research commissioned by the Department of Health.
A study of over 3,000 GPs, recently released by the University of Manchester; also found the level of overall job satisfaction by GPs in 2011 was lower than in all surveys undertaken since 2001.
The largest decreases in job satisfaction between 2010 and 2012 were attributed to hours of work and remuneration, the research identified.
GPs reported the major factors behind their stress were a result of "increasing workloads", "paperwork" and having "sufficient time to do the job justice."
Increased demands from patients and changes imposed by primary care organisations, were also high on the list of the most severe stressors experienced by GPs.
The proportion of GPs expecting to quit direct patient care in the next five years had increased from 6.4% in 2010 to 8.9% among GPs under 50 years old.
However, this increased from 41.7% in 2010 to 54.1% this year among GPs aged 50 and older, the research said.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We know that GPs - like the rest of the NHS - are working extremely hard in the face of increasing pressures.
"It is essential we strengthen general practice so we can provide the excellent care our patients need. As part of our Vulnerable Older People's Plan, we want to make sure our most vulnerable and elderly people to stay in good health for longer and are kept out of hospital.
"We have asked GPs for their views on how we can remove some of the barriers to offering better, more integrated care. We want GPs to work with us on fundamental changes to the system so that it works for them and patients."
