PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
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Keywords
Medical trainees, Physician well-being, Depression, Anxiety, Burnout, Psychological distress, Patient safety
Abstract
Background: Depression, anxiety, and psychological distress are increasingly recognized among medical trainees and physicians, affecting personal well-being and professional performance.
Objective: This review synthesizes evidence from cross-sectional surveys, cohort studies, and systematic reviews to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of psychological distress in medical education and practice.
Findings: Early studies identified high rates of depression and anxiety among interns and residents, with subsequent large-scale surveys confirming these issues across different cultural and geographic settings. Systematic reviews highlighted widespread psychological distress among medical students and residents, driven by workload, fatigue, and training pressures. Prospective cohort studies demonstrated associations between depression, burnout, and medical errors, reduced empathy, and compromised patient safety. Cross-national surveys further emphasized the global nature of the problem, including in low-resource countries.
Conclusion: Psychological distress is prevalent and consequential in medical training and practice. Structured interventions, institutional support, and policy reforms are urgently needed to protect physician well-being and ensure patient safety.
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Ms. Jyoti Ahlawat
PG Tutor, M.Sc. Mental Health Nursing, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
Ms. Kirti Bhardwaj
PG Tutor, M.Sc. Medical Surgical Nursing, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India