Depression and suicide ideation in medical students

BackgroundMedical students have higher levels of depressive symptoms than the general population. Additionally, depressed students are more likely to commit suicide. Recent studies find up to 10% of medical students experiment depression and suicidal ideation, which is meaningfully higher than general population of similar age (5–8%). However, little is known about depression and suicidal ideation in medical students in Spain.ObjectiveThis study aims to create a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the prevalence and factors involved in depression and suicidal behaviour in medical students from a Spanish University.MethodsWe evaluated the main risk factors leaning to suicide in students. In addition, we selected an appropriate scale to assess depression among the existing ones. The evaluated items included demographic reports, academic information (academic course, unfinished subjects and accomplishment) and sanitary data (psychiatric family history, psychiatric personal history, psychotropic drug consumption, distress emotional events in the last twelve months and drugs consumption). Furthermore, we selected the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) because of its rapidly implementation and proven efficacy.ConclusionsRates of depression and suicidal ideation are high in medical students. Currently, there is no program to detect and prevent depression neither suicide in students. For that reason, we consider that creating a new instrument to evaluate mental health in student is useful in order to offer early detection and treatment at medical school.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Suicidal Ideation Among International Medical Students Studying Medicine in Romania

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.998 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S621-S621

Author(s):

A.D. Buzoianu ◽

C.A. Popescu

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Medical Students ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

General Population ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

International Medical ◽

European Countries ◽

Research Subjects ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Competing Interest

BackgroundThe burden of mental health impairment in medical students is an important research subjects. Evidence shows that medical students have a higher prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety than the general population. A number of studies regarding suicidal ideation among medical students have been carried out, but this topic has largely been ignored in regard to international medical students coming from Western European countries studying medicine in Eastern European countries. Suicidal ideation is the early symptom of suicidal actions. The students are the most vulnerable and easily influenced by cases of suicide, especially in a closed group with little connections with the general population like the international students.ObjectivesFollowing 2 suicides in our university, we aim to measure the prevalence of suicidal ideations in international students.MethodsOverall, 150 medical students from the French section studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Romania, were evaluated for symptoms of depression using BDI and for suicide ideation using Beck HS.ResultsSuicidal ideation was present in 28.57% of the French international medical students. Depression and the lack of social support had a significant relationship with suicidal ideation.ConclusionsSuicide is a serious issue that has to be dealt with immediately. It is important to assist medical students who are considering the possibility of committing suicide, so that they overcome their difficulties. There is a need to identify the prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical students and for student counselling.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Prevalence of depression in Tunisian general population

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.696 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S523-S523

Author(s):

H. Belhadj ◽

R. Jomli

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gender Education ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Patient Health ◽

Severity Of Depression ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Health Organization ◽

Detection Of Depression

IntroductionDepression is a major burden for the health-care system worldwide.ObjectiveTo identify prevalence and severity of depression in Tunisian general population and define socoiodemographic characteristics of screened positive to depression participants.MethodWe undertook a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 134 participants, representative of the Tunisian general population, were enrolled. Age, gender, and educational level were the major criteria for representativeness. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).ResultsThe cut-off score was 10. The prevalence of depression was 13.4%. There were no statistical difference in gender, education and age for the prevalence of depression.ConclusionThe World Health Organization ranks depression as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Thus, the detection of depression and the dissemination of treatment in the general population are very important to reduce the burden of the disease.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Suicide Risk in Cancer Patients – Are We Prepared?

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1137 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S667-S667

Author(s):

M. Alves ◽

A. Tavares

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

General Population ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Active Listening ◽

Suicidal Thoughts ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Wish To Die ◽

Physical Risk Factors ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionIndividuals with cancer are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour when compared to the general population. Suicidal thoughts are sometimes minimized and considered by clinicians as a normal reaction to diagnosis of oncological disease. Less severe forms of suicidal ideation, such a fleeting wish to die may happen in all stages of the disease.ObjectivesWe aim to highlight the cases of cancer patients that present an imminent suicide risk and its related psychopathological aspects, psychosocial and physical risk factors that may increase the probability of suicidal attempt.MethodsNon systematic literature review through the Medline and Clinical Key databases, with time constraints.ResultsIndividuals with cancer have twice the risk of suicide compared to the general population. It was found that suicidal thoughts are more common in patients with advanced disease, in hospital or in palliative care settings or in those who are experiencing severe pain, depression, cognitive impairment or delirium. The first months following the diagnosis are the period of greatest risk and the highest suicide risk occurs in men with respiratory cancers. Death by suicide occurs more often in cancer patients in the advanced stages of disease.ConclusionsAn appropriate therapeutic response should include empathy, active listening, management of realistic expectations and permission to discuss psychological distress. The first intervention should focus on determining imminent risk of suicidal behaviour and act for patient safety.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Depression and Prostate Cancer: Examining Comorbidity and Male-Specific Symptoms

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988318784395 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1864-1872 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Simon M. Rice ◽

John L. Oliffe ◽

Mary T. Kelly ◽

Prue Cormie ◽

Suzanne Chambers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Patient Health ◽

Report Data ◽

Self Report Data ◽

Male Specific ◽

Specific Symptoms

Depression in men with prostate cancer is a significant and complex issue that can challenge clinicians’ diagnostic efforts. The objective of the current study was to evaluate prototypic and male-specific depression symptoms and suicidal ideation in men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer relative to those with and without comorbidity. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Male Depression Risk Scale-22 (MDRS-22) were completed online along with demographic and background variables by 100 men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer ( n = 54 prostatectomy, n = 33 receiving active treatment). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine recent (past 2 weeks) suicide ideation. Over one-third of the sample (38%) reported a comorbidity, and this group had significantly higher total depression scores on the PHQ-9 (Cohen’s d = 0.65), MDRS-22 emotion suppression ( d = 0.35), and drug use subscales ( d = 0.38) compared to respondents without comorbidity. A total of 14% reported recent suicidal ideation, of which 71.4% of cases were identified by the PHQ-9 “moderate” cut-off, and 85.7% of cases were identified by the MDRS-22 “elevated” cut-off. After control variables, MDRS-22 subscales accounted for 45.1% of variance in recent suicidal ideation. While limited by the exclusive use of self-report data, findings point to the potential benefits of evaluating male-specific symptoms as part of depression and suicide risk screening in men with prostate cancer and the need to be mindful of the heightened risk for depression among men with prostate cancer who have comorbidity.

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Validation of the Tunisian version of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9)

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.695 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S523-S523

Author(s):

H. Belhadj ◽

R. Jomli ◽

U. Ouali ◽

Y. Zgueb ◽

F. Nacef

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Positive Association ◽

Criterion Validity ◽

Internal Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patient Health ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Test Retest Reliability

IntroductionThe PHQ-9 has been recommended as the best available screening and case-finding instrument for primary care based on its brevity, and ability to inform the clinicians on both depression severity and diagnostic criteria.ObjectiveOur study evaluated the reliability and the validity of the Tunisian version of the PHQ-9 in detecting major depression in general population.MethodWe undertook a cross-sectional and analytical study. A total of 134 participants, representative of the Tunisian general population, were enrolled. The PHQ-9 was validated against the HAD reference standard. The types of validity determined for the PHQ-9 in this study were: translation validity, internal reliability and criterion validity.ResultsTest-Retest reliability was determined by intraclass correlation. This scale is stable over 2 weeks (ICC = 0.97). The Tunisian version of the PHQ-9 was found to have good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84). As for criterion validity of the PHQ-9, the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the PHQ-9 and HAD was 0.94 and the Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.81. This indicated a positive association of good strength between the two instruments. A cut-off score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-9 had a sensitivity of 86.2 and a specificity of 83.8. The VPP was 0.6 and the VPN was 0.9.ConclusionThe Tunisan version of the PHQ-9 has several potential advantages. It was found to be a valid and reliable casefinding instrument for detecting depression in general population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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A salivary biochemical analysis of certain recruits associated with suicidal ideation

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.2271 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S607-S607

Author(s):

W. Xiaomei

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

High Risk ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Biochemical Analysis ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Control Group ◽

Early Screening ◽

Biochemical Indicators ◽

Competing Interest ◽

New Recruits

ObjectiveTo explore the biochemical indicators of the persons at high risk of suicide.AimsTo achieve early screening of the persons at high risk of suicide.MethodsSuicide ideation of new recruits was generally investigated with self-rating idea of suicide scale (SIOSS). Twenty-five recruits whose scores were more than 12 were recognized as the suicide ideation group. Another 25 recruits without suicide ideation were randomly selected as the control group. Saliva samples of each group were collected for biochemical analysis after one month and three months. The SIOSS was used again for evaluation of suicide ideation.ResultsAfter one month, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Amy and SA in saliva were demonstrated to be statistically different between the two groups. After three months, the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Amy and SA in saliva between the two groups showed no significantly difference. According to SIOSS results, only 7 persons of the original suicidal ideation group were recognized as suicidal ideation group, the other 18 people's SIOSS scores were less than 12. And the SIOSS scores of the control group (without suicidal ideation group) were also less than 12. There was no statistical difference in the three groups for comparison of salivary Ca, Mg, Amy and SA.ConclusionThe biochemical indicators l of saliva lack specificity for suicidal ideation screening.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

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Suicidal behavior among Portuguese psychiatry trainees: Comparison with the European situation

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.057 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S63-S63

Author(s):

J. Gama Marques

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Active Form ◽

Adult Child ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Burnout Syndrome ◽

Adult Psychiatry ◽

History Of ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionThe aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts in Portuguese psychiatry trainees (adult, child and adolescence), and compare the data with the general population and other European countries.Material and MethodsA structured and anonymous questionnaire was sent by email to 159 Portuguese trainees of adult psychiatry, child and adolescence psychiatry with questions about personal history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as family history of suicide attempts and completed suicides. This is part of the BoSS Study (Burnout Syndrome Study) performed in 21 countries worldwide. Data was analyzed in SPSS v.19.ResultsFrom the inquired population, 62 trainees (40.3%) partially responded, and 46 (29%) were complete responders - these entered the final analysis. There was a ratio of 2:1 (female: male) and a mean age of 29 years. The suicidal ideation was present in passive form in 44% and in active form in 33%; also, 4.3% of respondents had previous suicide attempts. In first-degree relatives, 22% had attempted suicide and 13% completed suicide.DiscussionThe results are worrying and may be associated with some factors to which this population is exposed.ConclusionIt is necessary further research to better understand this phenomenon, its causes and potential modifiers.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

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Depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk in German veterinarians compared with the general German population

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.105430 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 186 (15) ◽

pp. e2-e2 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kathrin Angelika Schwerdtfeger ◽

Mahtab Bahramsoltani ◽

Lena Spangenberg ◽

Nina Hallensleben ◽

Heide Glaesmer

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

General Population ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Future Research ◽

German Population ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Patient Health ◽

Age Range

BackgroundHigher rates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk have been reported for veterinarians in various studies worldwide. This study investigates whether this is also true for German veterinarians.MethodsA total of 3.118 veterinarians (78.8 per cent female, mean age 41.3 years) between 22 and 69 years were included and compared with two general population samples of the same age range using the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised and Patient Health Questionnaire.ResultsCurrent suicidal ideation was found in 19.2 per cent of veterinarians, compared with only 5.7 per cent in the general population. 32.11 per cent of veterinarians were classified with increased suicide risk, compared with 6.62 per cent in the general population. 27.78 per cent of veterinarians screened positive for depression, compared with 3.99 per cent of the general population.ConclusionThe study shows that veterinarians have an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation and suicide risk compared with the general population in Germany. Similar to previous findings, the level of depression was higher among veterinarians than in the general population. However, this study does not explore causes for higher rates in depression, suicide risk and suicidal ideation. Since other studies strongly suggest specific risk factors lead to higher suicide risk and consequently elevated numbers of completed suicides, future research should focus on identifying and preventing causes.

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Association between Internet addiction and depression in medical students, faculty of medicine in Thailand

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.211 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S310-S310

Author(s):

S. Kuladee ◽

T. Boonvisudhi

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Medical Students ◽

Internet Addiction ◽

Behavioral Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patient Health ◽

Academic Problem ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Predictors Of Depression

IntroductionInternet addiction has become a harmful behavioral problem found to be highly prevalent in high school and college students. Many studies demonstrated significantly association between Internet addiction and depression.AimsTo study the prevalence of Internet addiction and the association between internet addiction and depression in medical students, faculty of medicine, Ramathibodi hospital.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were the first to fifth-year medical students who agreed to participate in this study. Demographic characteristics were derived from self-rated questionnaire and were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Thai version of Young's Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire and Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess internet addiction and depression, then Chi2 test and logistic regression were used to analyze the associations between internet addiction, depression and associated factors.ResultsFrom 705 participants, 24.5% had internet addiction and 29.0% had depression. There was statistically significant association between Internet addiction and depression (odd ratio: 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34–2.77, P-value < 0.000). Logistic regression analysis illustrated that the Internet addiction group had risk of depression 1.58 times higher than the group without Internet addiction (95% CI: 1.04-2.38; P-value < 0.031). Academic problem was found to be a significant predictor of both Internet addiction and depression. Furthermore, Internet addiction, relationship problems with friend and lover, and health problem were also significant predictors of depression.ConclusionsInternet addiction was common psychiatric problem which associated with depression among medical students. We suggest that surveillance of Internet addiction should be considered in medical schools.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Prejudice towards people with mental illness

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1363 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S740-S740

Author(s):

J. Radović ◽

I. Roncevic-Grzeta ◽

J. Rebic

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Medical Students ◽

General Population ◽

Medical Research ◽

Mentally Ill ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychology Students ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

People With Mental Illness ◽

Competing Interest

This paper reports the results of a medical research that measured prejudice and attitudes towards mentally ill people and towards the mental illness. Three groups of respondents were studied: medical students, psychology students and the general population. Medical students and psychology students represented a population that is educated in regards to mental illness, and the general population was not trained so much about mental illness. The hypothesis was that the respondents who have been working with mentally ill people and had lots of knowledge about mental illnesses were the persons with less prejudice towards people with mental illness. The main objective of research was to examine the differences in prejudice and attitudes between respondents who had experience and knowledge related to mental illness and people with mental illness compared to those without such knowledge and experience. Testing was conducted using an anonymous online survey consisting of thirteen questions. The research confirmed the hypothesis and it could be an incentive for education aimed at specific groups.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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