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Study: Medical Students More Depressed Than General Population

January 30, 2009 RSS Feed Print

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A large-scale study suggests that 21.2 percent of medical students suffer from depression, compared with the 10 percent rate commonly reported for the general population, Inside Higher Ed reports. The study, a survey of 2,000 students that was reported in Academic Medicine, also said that black medical students are particularly prone to suicidal thoughts, with 13 percent reporting "suicidal ideation," versus 5.7 percent of the general population.

More stats:

For medical students, the highest rates of depression—nearly 25 percent—occurred in the second year of study. For residents, the third year proved the most perilous, with 14.6 percent reporting depression.

Over all, medical students reported rates of depression nearly twice as high as those of residents. Of the sample, nearly 22 percent of medical students exhibited signs of depression, compared with about 12 percent of residents.

There were also significant differences in responses based on gender. Women had a 21.6 percent depression rate, compared with a 15.6 percent rate for men.

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@ Phuong
Whatever u do, do not go to med school for the sake of money. The commitment that is required from you will be so high that if you are in for the money then chances are you will resort to shortcuts. That my friend is nothing but a waste of you time and the university's time that has spent its resources on you. Your relationship will be restricted, but not impossible. If you are committed you will reduce everything else besides medicine, and will become one hell of a doctor. If not, well, may God help you and your patient. Im a 2nd year med student too.

Afsan 5:10PM June 09, 2011

I am a current 2nd year medical student. It is extremely difficult but you are right it isn't impossible. During my first year I was talking to one of our Deans, and he stated, "One of the hardest things for MS1's to do is come to terms with not having a life anymore." Some schools have classes all day long, some have less but require more outside of class commitment. I don't say any of this to scare you away from medicine, you do still have a life it is just very restricted. I would do it all over again even knowing what I know now. However please do not equate people not trying hard in high school to people having trouble in medical school. Everyone goes to high school, it is easy to shine if you are naturally above average intellectually. However when you get to this level everyone was the smartest in their class, and now some of those people who have never experienced bad grades in their lives are hit with C's or worse. It is a massive hit to ones ego that for most has been at least partially built on being "the smart one." Please excuse any typos or grammar errors, we have exams in two days and thus I have probably slept a little over 8 hours in the past 3 days, which I assure you is not unheard of during exams. I wish you the best of luck in your future education.

Brian of TX 12:22AM November 16, 2010

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usa hotels of 9:16PM April 23, 2010

Study: Medical Students More Depressed Than General Population

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