Often stressed, lonely and besmirched, Catholic priests and nuns are increasingly at risk of "burnout" and some of them could do with a little therapy, experts said at an unusual conference this week.

Some 200 priests and nuns took part in the symposium entitled "Priests On the Couch" at the Salesian University in Rome, where they were asked to fill in a detailed survey to find out what psychological problems afflict the clergy.

British professor Leslie Francis, who has researched clergy in Australia and Britain, said a majority -- around 59 percent -- were introverted, preferring scholarly studies and personal reflection to socialising.

Francis said members of the clergy often feel "exhausted" by the demands of their ministry and can feel frustrated in a society obsessed with show and image that does not respect the traditional humility of the clerical life. AFP