Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
Neurophobia among medical students
Ahmad A Abulaban1, Tahir H Obeid, Hussein A Algahtani
1Neurology Division, Department of Medicine, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, PO Box 377033, Riyadh 11335, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Objective:
To assess the attitude of medical students and junior physicians toward neurology.
Methods:
A self-administered, previously validated, questionnaire was distributed among 422 students and junior physicians at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from September to December 2012. In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire included demographic data and 12 statements to examine attitudes toward neurology using a Likert scale.
Results:
The response rate among participants was 70.3%. The mean age was 22.35 (SD+/-1.28) years. Males comprised 46.2%. While 31.3% of students had not decided regarding their future career, 11.8% selected neurology as their first possible choice. Whereas 29.6% of students were not satisfied with their neurology teaching experience, 84.4% found neurology difficult, and 42.7% of the whole group thought that their neuroscience knowledge was insufficient. Advanced clinical year students (namely, interns) were less likely to consider neurology as a career choice (p=0.001).
Conclusion:
Most of the students had an unfavorable attitude toward neurology on the Likert scale. New strategies are needed to change students` attitude toward this demanding specialty.
Related Concept Videos
Preparedness and Phobias
Panic Disorder
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic...

