PREVALENT MENTAL DISORDERS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Mental health is fundamental to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and is essential for daily functioning. Disruption of this state can lead to mental disorders, a condition prevalent among medical students compared to the general population of college students. Factors such as the intense study load, competition for high performance, and frequent contact with situations of suffering contribute significantly to this reality. Objective: To identify the etiology, prevalence, and main mental disorders among medical students. Method: An exploratory and descriptive literature review was conducted. Articles published in Portuguese from 2019 to 2020 in the Medline, Embase, SciELO, PUBMED, Science Direct, Periódicos Caps, LILACS, and NLM databases were selected. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) among medical students in Salvador ranged from 39.7%, with specific rates of 47.4% in the basic cycle, 40.3% in the clinical cycle and 12.3% in the internship period. Associated factors included a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, use of substances to improve academic performance, poor sleep quality, and suicidal ideation. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, increasing levels of anxiety and stress. Considerations: This study underscores the urgency of institutional interventions to promote the well-being of medical students, reduce stressors, and overcome stigma regarding mental health problems. Such measures are crucial to ensure a healthy and resilient professional future for future doctors, as well as to improve the quality of care offered to patients.