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Rich A, Viney R, Silkens M, Griffin A, Medisauskaite A. The experiences of students with mental health difficulties at medical school: a qualitative interview study. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2024; 29:2366557. [PMID: 38870397 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2366557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression in medical students are widespread, yet we have limited knowledge of the medical school experiences of students with mental health issues. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of mental health issues on students' experience and training at medical school by adopting a qualitative approach. METHODS Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 students with mental health issues from eight UK medical schools of varying size and location. Students were purposefully sampled to gain variety in the type of mental health issue experienced and demographic characteristics. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed using NVivo software. RESULTS Three themes were identified. 1) Culture of medicine: medical culture contributed to causing mental ill-health through study demands, competitiveness with peers, a 'suck it up' mentality where the expectation is that medical school is tough and medical students must push through, and stigma towards mental ill-health. 2) Help-seeking: students feared others discovering their difficulties and thus initially tried to cope alone, hiding symptoms until they were severe. There were multiple barriers to help-seeking including stigma and fear of damage to their career. 3) Impact on academic life: mental health issues had a detrimental impact on academic commitments, with students' unable to keep up with their studies and some needing to take time out from medical school. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into how medical culture contributes both to the cause of mental health difficulties and the reluctance of medical students to seek help. Mental health issues had a considerable negative impact on medical students' ability to learn and progress through their degree. Addressing the medical culture factors that contribute to the cause of mental health issues and the barriers to help-seeking must be a priority to ensure a healthier medical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Rich
- Research Department of Medical Education, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rowena Viney
- Research Department of Medical Education, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Milou Silkens
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation Research, Department of Health Services Research and Management, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ann Griffin
- Research Department of Medical Education, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Asta Medisauskaite
- Research Department of Medical Education, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, UK
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2
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Li H, Upreti T, Do V, Dance E, Lewis M, Jacobson R, Goldberg A. Measuring wellbeing: A scoping review of metrics and studies measuring medical student wellbeing across multiple timepoints. MEDICAL TEACHER 2024; 46:82-101. [PMID: 37405740 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2023.2231625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies have demonstrated poor mental health in medical students. However, there is wide variation in study design and metric use, impairing comparability. The authors aimed to examine the metrics and methods used to measure medical student wellbeing across multiple timepoints and identify where guidance is necessary. METHODS Five databases were searched between May and June 2021 for studies using survey-based metrics among medical students at multiple timepoints. Screening and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers. Data regarding the manuscript, methodology, and metrics were analyzed. RESULTS 221 studies were included, with 109 observational and 112 interventional studies. There were limited studies (15.4%) focused on clinical students. Stress management interventions were the most common (40.2%). Few (3.57%) interventional studies followed participants longer than 12 months, and 38.4% had no control group. There were 140 unique metrics measuring 13 constructs. 52.1% of metrics were used only once. CONCLUSIONS Unique guidance is needed to address gaps in study design as well as unique challenges surrounding medical student wellbeing surveys. Metric use is highly variable and future research is necessary to identify metrics specifically validated in medical student samples that reflect the diversity of today's students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tushar Upreti
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Rady, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Victor Do
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erica Dance
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Melanie Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ryan Jacobson
- Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Aviva Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Rady, Winnipeg, Canada
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Arabatzis TJ, Doroshenko J, Ashraf MA, Smith RM. A Pilot Study of Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder in Medical Students at an Osteopathic Medical School Before and After High-Stakes Examinations. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2023; 14:1259-1271. [PMID: 38028372 PMCID: PMC10643258 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s426015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Given the high prevalence of symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) in medical students, identifying factors that impact the development of such symptoms is important. Previous data suggest that medical students can experience symptoms of MDD after medical school exams. It is not known if medical students experience more symptoms of MDD directly before or after exams. The aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of symptoms of MDD in first- and second-year medical students directly before and after high-stakes medical school examinations. Methods Two anonymous surveys were sent via REDCap to first- and second-year medical students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. A pre-exam survey on the day of the exam asking about the past three days' MDD symptoms, and a post-exam survey sent three days after the exam asking about MDD symptoms experienced after the exam was sent out to a total of 391 students with a response rate of 23%. Results First- and second-year medical students regardless of gender experienced symptoms of MDD at higher rates before exams than afterwards. Female students experienced symptoms of MDD (as defined by the DSM-5) including sadness, sleep disturbances, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness at a greater rate compared to males before exams. After exams, females were more likely to experience sleep disturbances and decreased energy. Second-year male students were the least likely to experience symptoms of MDD. Conclusion First- and second-year medical students can experience symptoms of MDD surrounding exams. This study highlights the emotional burden that students may carry near exams. It underscores the importance of further research on this topic to evaluate the effect exams have on the mental health of medical students during their training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taxiarhia J Arabatzis
- Department of Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Justin Doroshenko
- Department of Emergency Medicine Residency Program, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad A Ashraf
- Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Ryan M Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME, USA
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4
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Bastos TM, Bumaguin DB, Astolfi VR, Xavier AZ, Hoffmann MS, Ornell F, Spritzer DT, Bassols AMS, von Diemen L, Laskoski PB, Hauck S. Mental health help-seeking among Brazilian medical students: Who suffers unassisted? Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1203-1212. [PMID: 35240886 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221082930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several barriers for mental health help-seeking were identified among medical students, including minimizing mental illness. Studies examining aspects particular to those who perceive psychological impairment but do not access treatment are necessary for planning interventions. AIMS To identify help-seeking barriers based on the students' perception about their need for treatment and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing 436 Brazilian medical students (833 attending the medical school = 52.3% response rate). Data collection covered sociodemographic data, mental health, academic environment, and Beck Inventories of Depression (BDI) and Anxiety (BAI). Non-parametric tests and hierarchical logistic regression were used to compare students undergoing treatment, those willing to access treatment, and the ones reporting no need for treatment. RESULTS Among the 382 students who completed the survey (87.6% completion rate), 38.5% (n = 147) were in treatment, and 33% (n = 126) were in need. Moderate to severe risk of alcohol abuse was observed in 45.9% (n = 50) of students reporting no need for treatment. Regression models suggested that perceiving need for treatment - whether already undergoing it or not - was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.07-1.21]), female assigned sex (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.23-3.88]), LGBTQ+ (OR 2.47 [95% CI 1.09-5.60]) and reporting good relationship with the family (OR 0.26 [95% CI 0.08-0.83]). Models comparing students in treatment and those in need, pointed that the factors associated with lacking mental health care were age (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.82-0.99]), perception of a heavy workload (OR 2.43 [95% CI 1.35-4.38]) and good relationship with colleagues (OR 3.51 [95% CI 1.81-6.81]). DISCUSSION Social variables and the severity of depressive symptoms are positively associated with perceived need for treatment. Age and academic environment factors were related to help-seeking behavior among students with appropriate self-awareness. We discuss these findings' implications for planning interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires Martins Bastos
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniela Benzano Bumaguin
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vitória Rech Astolfi
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aurora Zamora Xavier
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Ornell
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniel Tornaim Spritzer
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Margareth Siqueira Bassols
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lisia von Diemen
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pricilla Braga Laskoski
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Simone Hauck
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychodynamic Psychiatry Research Lab, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Abrams MP, Salzman J, Espina Rey A, Daly K. Impact of Providing Peer Support on Medical Students’ Empathy, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health Stigma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095135. [PMID: 35564535 PMCID: PMC9099875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Peer-support programs in medical school can buffer feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, social isolation, and burnout, drawing upon the benefits of near-peer-support resources. This study examined the effects of providing support to students in a medical school peer-support program. Methods: Using a pre-post, quasi-experimental study design, the investigators surveyed medical students who were peer supporters in their second through fourth years of medical school with four measures assessing (1) empathy, (2) self-efficacy, (3) mental health stigma, and (4) likelihood to assist peers with mental health problems to examine if serving as a volunteer peer supporter had any effect. Participants included 38 medical students that were actively enrolled peer supporters during the 2020–2021 year at a United States allopathic medical school. Results: Medical students who participated as peer supporters were found to have higher ratings of empathy scores (Z = −1.964, p = 0.050, r = 0.34) and self-efficacy scores (Z = −2.060, p = 0.039, r = 0.35) after participation in the program. No significant changes were noted for mental health stigma or likelihood to assist peers with mental health problems. Discussion: Peer-support programs present a low-cost, sustainable modality to promote wellbeing in medical students. There is a growing body of literature documenting the benefits of peer-support services. This brief, novel study examined the effects of providing peer support on the peer supporters and found higher self-reported ratings of empathy and self-efficacy after participation. These findings underscore peer-support programs as a valuable wellness resource not only for medical students who use the services but for those who provide them as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Abrams
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-619-227-9228
| | - Joshua Salzman
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Andrea Espina Rey
- Focused Inquiry & Research Experience Module Department, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Katherine Daly
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Student Affairs, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
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Ramadianto AS, Kusumadewi I, Agiananda F, Raharjanti NW. Symptoms of depression and anxiety in Indonesian medical students: association with coping strategy and resilience. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:92. [PMID: 35130862 PMCID: PMC8820032 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues among medical students due to the various challenges during medical education. These issues affect not only their quality of life, but also their academic and professional development. Coping strategy and resilience are two factors that may influence students' mental health outcomes. Data of medical student mental health in Indonesia is scarce, hampering efforts to systematically address the problem. Hence, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in Indonesian medical students, and their association with coping strategy and resilience. METHODS Undergraduate medical students from each year of study (Preclinical Year 1 to 4, Clinical Year 1 and 2) in the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study. The study questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to measure symptoms of depression and anxiety, Brief COPE to measure coping strategy, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to measure resilience. Scores of depression and anxiety symptoms were analyzed by comparing them between different sociodemographic groups and by measuring their correlation with coping strategies and resilience. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS Among 532 respondents, 22.2% reported symptoms of depression and 48,1% reported anxiety, including 3.0% and 8.1% with extremely severe depression and anxiety, respectively. Students not living with immediate family had higher depression score; female students and those in Preclinical Year 1 and Clinical Year 1 showed higher anxiety scores. Dysfunctional coping strategies and lower resilience are predictors of higher depression and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Students show different levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, signifying different levels of mental health support needs from universal mental health promotion to psychiatric treatment. Prevention programs can be targeted towards students with risk factors, such as not living with immediate family, undergoing first year of preclinical studies or clinical rotations, coping with dysfunctional strategies, and having low resilience. Additionally, medical educators must be aware of other, non-student factors that may impact student mental health, such as curriculum design and learning experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhitya Sigit Ramadianto
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Irmia Kusumadewi
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia – Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Feranindhya Agiananda
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia – Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Natalia Widiasih Raharjanti
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia – Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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7
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Arabatzis TJ, Marsidi J, Ashraf M, Supino C, Smith R. Gender Disparities in Symptoms of Depression After Medical School Exams and Student Coping Strategies for Postexam Depression Symptoms. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2022; 9:23821205211055391. [PMID: 35036564 PMCID: PMC8753238 DOI: 10.1177/23821205211055391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little research exists to determine if medical students experience symptoms of depression after examinations and if symptoms vary by gender. OBJECTIVES Determine if is there a difference between male and female medical students in the number of symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) experienced after exams, as well as which coping strategies are used by students to alleviate depression symptoms. METHODS An anonymous and secure survey was sent via university email to first, second, and third-year medical students after exams for 2 consecutive exam periods. Surveys that were not fully completed were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS A total of 162 out of 550 students completed the survey for a response rate of 30%. Overall, a greater proportion of female students experienced more symptoms of depression compared to males. This was statistically significant for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition symptoms of MDD: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes in sleep, fatigue, and difficulty with concentration after exams compared to their male counterparts. Male first-year medical students experienced higher rates of depression compared to their third-year counterparts. Most students exhibited coping strategies that helped them feel less depressed. The 3 most common coping strategies reported were: reaching out to social support networks, physical activity/exercise, and engaging in hobbies. CONCLUSIONS Both gender and year in a medical school play a role in the number of symptoms of depression experienced after medical school exams. Recognizing that examinations can be a trigger of depressive symptoms in medical students, particularly female and first-year students, has important implications on student mental health. Helping students recognize these symptoms and employ healthy coping strategies may further help alleviate these symptoms. Long-term consequences of experiencing symptoms of depression after recurrent exams in medical school are unknown and require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ryan Smith
- Ryan Smith, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA.
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8
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Ganesananthan S, Li C, Donnir A, Anthony A, Woo T, Zielinska AP, Khajuria A. Changing Student Perception of an Online Integrated Structured Clinical Examination During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:887-894. [PMID: 34408530 PMCID: PMC8366780 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s325364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has created a hiatus in in-person clinical assessments due to safety and logistical concerns. We aimed to evaluate student perception and utility of an online Integrated Structured Clinical Examinations (ISCEs) during the pandemic. METHODS Final-year medical students from a single institution were offered an online mock ISCE through a student-to-student ("near-peer") teaching-programme. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted pre- and post-online mock ISCE. RESULTS Sixty-four students completed the study. Pre- and post-data showed an increase in confidence (p<0.0001), less worry regarding the online format (p<0.0001) and less anxiety about excelling in ISCEs (p<0.001). Students felt that having done the mock, an online format would more positively affect their overall performance (p=0.007). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a positive change in student perception and confidence in online ISCEs. Online ISCEs are thus feasible, though sole reliance on this format may provide an incomplete assessment of student's overall clinical competency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunhei Li
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Timothy Woo
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Ankur Khajuria
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Petrie GN, Nastase AS, Aukema RJ, Hill MN. Endocannabinoids, cannabinoids and the regulation of anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108626. [PMID: 34116110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used for hundreds of years, with its ability to dampen feelings of anxiety often reported as a primary reason for use. Only recently has the specific role cannabinoids play in anxiety been thoroughly investigated. Here we discuss the body of evidence describing how endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids are capable of regulating the generation and termination of anxiety states. Disruption of the endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) system following genetic manipulation, pharmacological intervention or stress exposure reliably leads to the generation of an anxiety state. On the other hand, upregulation of eCB signaling is capable of alleviating anxiety-like behaviors in multiple paradigms. When considering exogenous cannabinoid administration, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) agonists have a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on anxiety such that low doses are anxiolytic while high doses are anxiogenic, a phenomenon that is evident in both rodent models and humans. Translational studies investigating a loss of function mutation in the gene for fatty acid amide hydrolase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing AEA, have also shown that AEA signaling regulates anxiety in humans. Taken together, evidence reviewed here has outlined a convincing argument for cannabinoids being powerful regulators of both the manifestation and amelioration of anxiety symptoms, and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the eCB system for the development of novel classes of anxiolytics. This article is part of the special issue on 'Cannabinoids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin N Petrie
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andrei S Nastase
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Robert J Aukema
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Education and Research, Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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10
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Bashir TF, Hassan S, Maqsood A, Khan ZA, Issrani R, Ahmed N, Bashir EF. The Psychological Impact Analysis of Novel COVID-19 Pandemic in Health Sciences Students: A Global Survey. Eur J Dent 2020; 14:S91-S96. [PMID: 33368064 PMCID: PMC7775252 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anxiety and depression amid novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in health sciences students around the globe. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study comprised 523 health science students. A well-structured online questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions based on student's general information, Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 scales were used to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS SPSS-25 was used to analyze the outcome of this study. Multiple linear regression analysis test was used to assess variables which had impact on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores among the participants. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Among the 523 participants, 365 (69.55%) students were from developing countries and 158 (30.21%) from developed countries; 424 (81.1%) students were tested negative for COVID-19 and 99 (18.9%) had suffered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pandemic. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were 7.16 ± 5.755 and 7.30 ± 6.166, respectively. Significant impact on anxiety levels was associated with age, gender, education status, and COVID-19 positive patient, while depression was not significantly associated with gender, COVID-19, and its reported symptoms in participants. CONCLUSION As the world is trying to contain the health effects of COVID-19, the psychological effects might take a longer time to be addressed. Our study highlights the dire need to identify mental well-being of health science students as this may have a direct impact on their professional commitments and future responsibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma Farasat Bashir
- Department of Community Dentistry, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Hassan
- Department of Pathology, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Afsheen Maqsood
- Department of Oral Pathology, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Ali Khan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakhi Issrani
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseer Ahmed
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan.,Scholar Prosthodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Evangel Faraz Bashir
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
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11
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Roe T, Flechtner F, Gordon AT. Urging caution regarding the generalizability of the Medical Student Stress Factor Scale: a medical student perspective. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2020; 43:227-228. [PMID: 33111831 PMCID: PMC8023152 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Roe
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Felix Flechtner
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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12
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Khurram A, Abedi D, Abedi M. Stigma around mental health disclosure in medical students. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2020; 25:1774347. [PMID: 32497473 PMCID: PMC7448887 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2020.1774347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa Khurram
- Medical Education, Barts and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Dina Abedi
- Medical Education, Barts and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Mohsin Abedi
- Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, London, UK
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