An Evaluation of Mood States among First-Year Residents

Abstract

To examine the need for preventive and treatment interventions, a prevalence study was conducted to ascertain the rate of depressive symptomatology and other negative mood states among 112 first-year residents. The participation rate was 54%. Subjects (N = 61) were administered the Beck Depression Inventory and Profile of Mood States in personal interview sessions. The Profile measures five negative mood states, namely, "tension-anxiety," "depression-dejection," "anger-hostility," "fatigue-inertia," "confusion-bewilderment," and one positive state, "vigor-activity." A 15.5% rate of depression was found, which is lower than a rate of 23.5%, also measured by Beck's inventory, among a sample of university undergraduates and 19.9% among an adult sample from the general population. No differences were observed among residency programs or sex on Beck's scale; however, significantly higher scores were found for women on the "depression-dejection" dimension of the Profile. The mean scores on all negative mood dimensions of the Profile were below the mean for university undergraduate norms. Neither sleep nor hours worked over the past week were associated with increased Beck scores. These results indicate that sleep deprivation and long work hours did not contribute to depression among the subjects who participated in the study. Female interns, however, appear to be at increased risk of depression, and adequate support systems need to be provided.

Utilization and Barriers to Mental Health Services Among Depressed Medical Interns: A Prospective Multisite Study

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] One reason may be that prior studies were cross-sectional, whereas our study assessed depressive symptoms every 3 months. Multiple assessments during the year likely increased the chances of identifying a new case of depression and may account for these findings.…”

Psychological well-being of interns in Hong Kong: What causes them stress and what helps them

“…Female doctors tend to be more vulnerable than their male counterparts (Kirsling et al 1989;Hendrie et al 1990). However, such information is generally lacking in Asia.…”

Prevalence, severity, causes and drugs used for depression, stress and anxiety among junior doctors in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

“…9,10 Female doctors tend to be more vulnerable than their male counterparts. 11 Numerous factors for anxiety and stress among junior doctors have been documented such as frequent night duties, long working hours, multiple responsibilities, fear of committing clinical errors, sleep deprivation, minimal holidays, talking to distressed relatives and serious treatment failures. 8 These high levels of fatigue and distress have also been independently associated with self-perceived medical errors in junior doctors.…”