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Psychoactive substance use among medical students.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|February 1, 1986
Summary
A significant number of medical students have used various psychoactive substances, with illicit drug use and substance abuse symptoms linked to depressed mood.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Substance use among medical students is a concern due to potential impacts on academic performance and future practice.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance use is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime, past year, and past month prevalence of psychoactive substance use among senior medical students.
- To explore associations between substance use, substance abuse symptoms, and depressed mood in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 133 senior medical students.
- Data collected included lifetime and recent use of various psychoactive substances (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, sedatives, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens, opioids).
- Participants also reported on frequency of use, substance abuse symptoms, and mood.
Main Results:
- High lifetime prevalence rates were observed for alcohol (96%), marijuana (57%), and cigarettes (44%).
- Significant lifetime use was also reported for opioids (40%), benzodiazepines (37%), amphetamines (22%), and cocaine (20%).
- Twelve percent reported nearly daily use of substances in the past month, and 11% reported substance abuse symptoms in the past year, with both associated with depressed mood.
Conclusions:
- Senior medical students exhibit substantial lifetime use of various psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs.
- A notable proportion engages in frequent use and experiences substance abuse symptoms, which are linked to mental health challenges like depressed mood.
- These findings highlight the need for mental health support and substance use prevention programs within medical education settings.
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