The mental health of graduate students at the Federal University of São Paulo: a preliminary report

Abstract

We present data regarding the care provided to graduate level health professionals at the mental health center of the Federal University of São Paulo. From September 1996 to September 2003, 146 graduate students (99 in the Master's degree program and 47 in the Doctoral program) were attended. This population was predominantly female (68.5%), with a mean (± SD) age of 28.6 ± 4.42 years, not married (71.9%). Most of the subjects were professionals who had not graduated from the Federal University (78.1%). The students who sought help for psychological and/or psychiatric problems were classified into two categories: situational-adaptive crises and psychopathological crises. The main diagnoses were depression and anxiety disorders (44%) causing 4.5% of the subjects to be temporarily suspended from their graduate studies; 19.2% reported that they had used psychotropic drugs within the previous month, and 47.9% referred to sleep disturbances. Suicidal tendencies were mentioned by 18% of those interviewed. Students with emotional disturbances and academic dysfunctions should be recognized at an early stage, and it is fundamental for them to have access to mental health programs that provide formal, structured and confidential care. Thus, it is important that professors and advisors in graduate programs build a warm and affective learning environment. If we consider the expressive growth in Brazilian scientific production resulting from the implementation of an extensive national system of graduate education, it is important to focus efforts on enhancing and upgrading the mental health care system.

Health-related quality of life predictors during medical residency in a random, stratified sample of residents

“…Since 2003 in the USA, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has required that all postgraduate medical training programs make assistance services available to their residents. 19 Based on our findings and the cumulative experience of the authors in providing psychological and psychiatric assistance to residents, 20,23,24 we believe the major challenge lies in forming technically competent, ethical residents who are socially responsible, are able to establish empathetic relationships, and have a good quality of life.…”

Demographics and complaints of university students who sought help at a campus mental health service between 1987 and 2004

“…2 More recently, the mental health of postgraduate students has also gained attention and studies have been reporting high prevalence of depression, distress and burnout among postgraduates. [3][4][5] In the 1950s, many campus counseling/ mental health services were founded in universities in the United States and Europe. 1 Likewise, the first mental health service devoted to university students in Brazil was established in 1957, in the Medical School of the University of Recife.…”

Common mental disorders in medical students: A repeated cross-sectional study over six years

“…Other researchers have demonstrated that the psychological intensity inherent to medical activities may be an important factor for emotional disorders in medical students, medical residents and doctors, who are predisposed or more vulnerable. 22,23 In some studies assessing medical schools with a traditional curriculum such as ours, the final year appears as a potential stressor. However, other studies indicate that important moments in other phases or transitions in the program are also stressors: the first year, when students first handle a corpse, and the third year, when the Introductory Clinical Cycle begins and patient contact first occurs.…”