Mental Health Problems of Medical Students Retired from the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, 1982-2007

Abstract

Objective :

To study the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and personality problems in medical students who were retired from Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital in academic years 1982 to 2007.

Method :

A retrospective descriptive study was done by analyzing the consultation record form of medical students who utilized the counseling unit of Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital between academic year 1982 and 2007 to obtain the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and personality problems and associated demographic data in retired medical students.

Result :

Thirty two medical students who had mental health problems were retired from the medical program. Seven students had psychiatric disorders alone, seven students had personality problems alone, and eighteen students had both psychiatric disorders and personality problems. Among 25 students with psychiatric disorders, depressive episode was diagnosed in 8 students (32% of students with mental health problems retired). Schizophrenia was diagnosed in 6 students (24% of students with mental health problems). Among 25 students with personality problems, 12 students (37.5% of retired students) were diagnosed as other specific personality trait and disorder. Mixed and other personality disorders were diagnosed in 4 students (12.5 % of students with schizophrenia had retired highest (66.7%) of schizophrenia). Anxious (avoidant) personality disorder was also diagnosed in 4 students.

Conclusion

: Depressive episode was the most common psychiatric disorder of retired medical students but schizophrenia was the most impact.