Depressive symptoms in medical students

Abstract

Mental disorders represent a growing problem in the student population. Th ere has been a recent increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students. Th e objective of this study was to determine the frequency of depressive symptoms in medical students to provide insight into this problem in our country. In total, 131 fourth-year medical students were included in the study. To determine rates of depressive symptoms in the student population, we used the BDI IA. Symptoms of depression were found in 26.7% of students. Th e most common levels of depression were mild and moderate. Th e mean value of the BDI scores was 7.51±7.62. Th e high level of depressive symptoms found in medical students highlights the need for more comprehensive insight and follow up of this problem in the student population.