Depression in Serbian medical students

Abstract

Mental disorders represent a growing problem in the student population. There is an increased frequency of depression in medical students. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of depression in medical students in order to provide better insight into this problem in our country. There were 131 fourth year medical students included in the study. For determining depression in the student population we used Beck’s Depression Inventory. Symptoms of depression were found in 26.7% of students.  The most common levels of depression were mild and moderate. The mean value of BDI scores was 7.51±7.62. The high level of depression found in medical students highlights the need for more comprehensive insight and follow up of this problem in the student population.