Psychiatric Disorders and Personality Problems in Medical Students at Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Years 1982-2007

Abstract

_{ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the incidence of psychiatric disorders and personality problems in Siriraj Hospital medical students between academic years 1982-2007.
Method: A retrospective descriptive study was done by analyzing the medical records from counseling services for all medical students who utilized counseling unit of Faculty of
Medicine Siriraj Hospital between academic years 1982-2007 to obtain the rate of mental health problems and associated demographic data.
Result: Mental health problems were found in 307 from 338 medical students who utilized the counseling services (90.8%). Sixty-nine percent was male. The second year was the most common year for the students to start utilizing the service. Bangkok and area around were found 65% as their accommodations. Middle level of socioeconomic status was found 54%. Self referral and staff referral were found 50.3 % and 45%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of psychiatric disorders (axis I diagnosis) and personality problems (axis II diagnosis) were found 8.4 and 6.1 per 1000 persons per year respectively. The most common psychiatric
disorders were adjustment disorders, and depressive episode, respectively, with cumulative incidence 3.4 and 2.2 per 1000 persons per year. The most common types of personality
problems were other specific personality trait and disorders, and anxious (avoidant) personality trait and disorder, respectively, with cumulative incidence 2.8 and 1 per 1000 persons per year. 89.6% of medical students who had psychiatric disorder and personality problems finally finished their medical education and obtained medical degree.
Conclusion: Psychiatric disorders and personality problems were common among medical students who utilized counseling services.}