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Depression and Psychological Distress in Medical Students, A Prospective Study
Meltem Akdemir1, Mehmet Rıfkı Aktekin1, Yeşim Yiğiter Şenol2
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi
|June 10, 2022
Summary
Medical students experience increased psychological distress and depressive symptoms during their first two years of education. These mental health declines were not observed in other faculties, highlighting a need for targeted support.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Medical school curricula can be demanding, potentially impacting student mental well-being.
- Early identification of psychological distress and depressive symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among first and second-year medical students.
- To compare mental health trends in medical students with those in other academic faculties.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving first-year medical, economics, and sport sciences students.
- Utilized self-reported questionnaires including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
- Data collected during the first semester of the first and second academic years.
Main Results:
- Medical students showed significant increases in GHQ-12 scores (53.8% to 61.8%) and BDI scores (8.8% to 19.5%).
- No significant mental health changes were observed in students from other faculties.
- Dissatisfaction with social activities and exposure to psychological pressure were linked to increased distress and depression.
Conclusions:
- The first year of medical school negatively impacts student mental health.
- Interventions and awareness programs are recommended to protect the mental well-being of at-risk medical students.
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