THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Depression is characterized by the presence of sadness, pessimism and low self-esteem. It also causes a lack of pleasure in activities that were previously pleasurable, in addition to causing fluctuations in human behavior that can encourage suicide. Anxiety is an excessive, persistent worry that causes fear in some everyday situations. It is a normal condition of human beings, but it is only considered an indicator of illness when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily life. Currently, cases of depression and anxiety are increasing among medical students. This occurs due to several social, environmental and psychological factors, which are present from entering college, internship and graduation. This study is a literary review carried out in the databases of PubMed, Scielo, Periódico da Capes, Google Scholar and books published in the period up to the year 2023. The objective of this study was to discuss the prevalence of depression and anxiety in medical students. As results, a high prevalence of depression and anxiety was identified, justifying the factors that promote these disorders as study overload, little time for leisure activities, dissatisfaction with the course and personal demands. It is concluded that the prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students is high, it is important to create strategies to provide psychological support for these students during their training.