Depression and suicidal ideation among medical students

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric diseases account for the largest proportion of the global burden of non-communicable diseases with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide (1) Depression and suicides occur at an alarming rate among healthcare professionals despite having adequate knowledge of mental health and relative access to psychiatrists (2).In this review, the aim was to identify the association between depression and suicidal ideation among medical students and its implication on their overall health and patient care. Also examined were the preventive strategies essential in curbing depression and suicidal ideation among medical students.Method: An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase, to identify articles on depression and suicide among medical students. The prevalence of depression, the association between depression and suicidal ideation among health professionals, and the outcomes of depression on productivity and patient care were explored.Results: Many studies show an association between depression and suicidal ideation in medical students. Depression is commoner in female medical students, and it impairs learning which in turn affects patient care. Long hours of lectures, financial burdens, and insufficient sleep have been identified as risk factors for depression in medical students.Conclusion: There is a significant risk of depression and suicidal ideation among medical students worldwide. Integration of mental health services, provision of free and timely counseling services, and implementation of mental health policies are strategies that can be used for mitigating depression and promoting mental wellness.