scholarly journals Mandatory physical exercise for the prevention of mental illness in medical students

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Bitonte ◽  
Donald Joseph II DeSanto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dropping Out ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Health Counseling ◽  
Positive Effect

Medical students experience higher rates of mental illness than the general population. With competition rising for success in medical school, and residency, increasing incidence of distress are leading this population to experience higher rates of thoughts of dropping out of school, and even suicide. Since many stigmas deter medical students from receiving mental health counseling, such as the perceived inability to handle the stresses of medical school, and the potential lack of competitiveness for residencies if reported, prevention of mental illness may be a better course to take in reducing prevalence in this population. Regular exercise has demonstrated a positive effect on not only promoting physical health, but also mental health. Exercise encourages a healthy mood, positive self esteem, and better cognition, while decreasing the chances of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Implementing exercise time into medical school curriculums, just like the basic sciences, albeit for less time in the day, could provide a feasible way to ensure that all students are taking time to partake in this important activity for their well being. Though medical schools are rigid with attempts to make changes in their curriculum, thirty minutes a day, three to five times a week of exercise of the students’ choice not only is more cost effective than counseling, but it also reduces the chances that they will experience burnout, which if left untreated could transcend into a compromised training experience.

scholarly journals Mandatory physical exercise for the prevention of mental illness in medical students

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-44
Author(s):  
Robert A. Bitonte ◽  
Donald Joseph DeSanto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dropping Out ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Health Counseling ◽  
Positive Effect

Medical students experience higher rates of mental illness than the general population. With competition rising for success in medical school, and residency, increasing incidence of distress are leading this population to experience higher rates of thoughts of dropping out of school, and even suicide. Since many stigmas deter medical students from receiving mental health counseling, such as the perceived inability to handle the stresses of medical school, and the potential lack of competitiveness for residencies if reported, prevention of mental illness may be a better course to take in reducing prevalence in this population. Regular exercise has demonstrated a positive effect on not only promoting physical health, but also mental health. Exercise encourages a healthy mood, positive self esteem, and better cognition, while decreasing the chances of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Implementing exercise time into medical school curriculums, just like the basic sciences, albeit for less time in the day, could provide a feasible way to ensure that all students are taking time to partake in this important activity for their well being. Though medical schools are rigid with attempts to make changes in their curriculum, thirty minutes a day, three to five times a week of exercise of the students' choice not only is more cost effective than counseling, but it also reduces the chances that they will experience burnout, which if left untreated could transcend into a compromised training experience.

A descriptive study of mental health and burnout among Nigerian medical students

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110577
Author(s):  
Olatunde Olayinka Ayinde ◽  
Eniola Racheal Akinnuoye ◽  
Andrew Molodynski ◽  
Oliver Battrick ◽  
Oye Gureje
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Mental Health Conditions

Background: Increasing attention is being paid to medical students’ mental wellbeing globally due in part to their exposure to stressors inherent in medical education and the numerous reports of elevated rates of mental health conditions in this population. Aims: This study aimed to identify stressors and determine prevalence rates of psychiatric morbidity, substance use and burnout in a sample of Nigerian medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 505 medical students from 25 Nigerian medical schools completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, short version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the CAGE questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Result: The most commonly reported sources of stress were study (75.6%), money (52.3%) and relationships (30.1%). Nine students (1.8%) had received a mental health diagnosis prior to medical school but this number had increased to 29 (5.7%) whilst in medical school, with the majority being cases of anxiety and depressive disorders. The prevalence of psychological distress was 54.5%, but <5% of affected students had received any help for their mental health conditions. Twenty five students (5%) met criteria for problematic alcohol use and 6% had used cannabis. The proportions of students who met criteria for disengagement and exhaustion domains of the OLBI were 84.6% and 77.0% respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress and burnout is high among medical students. Interventions for medical students’ well-being should be tailored to their needs and should target risk factors related to personal, organisational and medical school academic structure attributes.

scholarly journals A longitudinal investigation of mental health, perceived learning environment and burdens in a cohort of first-year German medical students’ before and during the COVID-19 ‘new normal’

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Kathrin Schindler ◽  
Sabine Polujanski ◽  
Thomas Rotthoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Perceived Learning ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Study Programme

Abstract Background Medical students’ propensity to develop mental morbidity has been described for decades but remains unresolved. To assess student mental health person-centred and longitudinally, we have been investigating a cohort of German students since October 2019. After their first semester under ‘normal’ conditions, rapid changes became necessary due to the COVID-19 situation. In line with the initial aim, we investigated students’ change of mental health, perceived learning environment and burdens in the ‘new normal’. Methods Students in a newly founded German medical study programme (n = 63) answered a questionnaire each semester (October 2019 = entering medical school; December 2019 = ‘old normal’; June 2020 = ‘new normal’; December 2020 = ‘new normal’) on their well-being (FAHW-12), burnout (Maslach Inventory), depression (PHQ-9), perception of the learning environment (DREEM), burdens and protective attitudes in the ‘new normal’ (items designed for the study). Results Friedman tests reveal overall significant differences (all p < .001) in depression and burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment); changes in well-being were identified as just non-significant (p = .05). The effects were explained by a significant increase in burnout and depression identified post-hoc from October 2019 to December 2019. No increase in severity was identified in the ‘new normal’ semesters. The learning environment was perceived positively even with a significant improvement for June 2020 (repeated measures ANOVA p < .001). Study-related burdens (e.g. procrastination of online-learning material) took on greater relevance than burdens related to physicians’ occupation (e.g. potential for students' recruitment to the healthcare system during their studies). Conclusions The ‘new’ when entering medical school had a greater impact on our students’ mental health than the ‘new normal’. The readiness for change in the context of a newly designed study programme may have been beneficial with regard to students’ positively perceived learning environment during the virtual semesters. Monitoring medical students’ mental health longitudinally should be a concern regardless of a pandemic.

Medical students’ attitudes towards mental health disclosure: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Christy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In 2013, the General Medical Council conducted research into best practice for supporting medical students with mental health concerns, producing a document outlining University’s duty of care. It also outlined reasons as to why medical students are susceptible to mental illness. The purpose of this paper is to explore what factors affected medical students' disclosure of mental health problems and their help-seeking behaviour today and if these differed from the GMC’s findings from 2013. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was issued to all University of Glasgow medical student year groups. In total, 72 people responded. All responses were then analysed by the primary researcher using Mayring’s six-step approach of systematic, rule guided qualitative text analysis. Findings Four main barriers to disclosure were revealed: fear of repercussions, medical student “expectations”, judgement and lack of support. Respondents feared being deemed unfit to practise, displaying “weakness” or being treated differently. They believed support provided was inadequate or inaccessible. Less than half felt the Medical School made mental health support easily available and only 11% were even aware of the GMC document. Respondents believed medical students were psychologically vulnerable due to Medical School environment, work load, “expectations” and course content. They perceived the Medical School was “a pressure cooker” for mental health problems and yet student well-being was not prioritised. Originality/value The research highlighted some key areas that universities should address, such as promoting support services available, recognising the unique stresses of the medical curriculum and the need for provision of resources that can be accessed without fear, stigmatisation or uncertainty.

The Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on the Happiness, Optimism, and Pessimism of Brazilian Medical Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110575
Author(s):  
Luciano Magalhães Vitorino ◽  
Mariana Fernandes Cazerta ◽  
Natália Roriz Corrêa ◽  
Emanuelle dos Passos Foresto ◽  
Marcia Ap. F. de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Religiosity And Spirituality

Background Mental health problems are very common among medical students, becoming a concern for health care professionals and educators. Despite the fact that there is a growing body of literature supporting the role of religiosity and spirituality (RS) on mental health and on positive psychology outcomes, little evidence is available among medical students, a population subjected to important distress. Aims This study aimed to investigate the role of RS on the levels of optimism, pessimism, and happiness among Brazilian medical students. Methods This is a cross-sectional study including medical students from the first to the eighth semester of a private medical school. The instruments used were: TOT-R for optimism and pessimism, Lyubomirsk and Lepper subjective happiness scale, and sociodemographic profile. The independent variables were Brazilian Portuguese Duke University Religiosity Scale for religiosity, Brief Spiritual Religious Coping (SRC) for negative and positive SRC; and Facit-Sp for spiritual well-being. Results A total of 353 medical students were included (response rate 97.51%). Higher levels of intrinsic religiosity and peace were associated with greater happiness and optimism. However, negative SRC was associated with lower levels of happiness and optimism and higher levels of pessimism. Conclusion Medical students tend to use their RS as a resource for dealing with the challenges of medical school, influencing their happiness and optimism. In this context, it seems that religiousness acts in two different ways, not only have positive but also negative outcomes among the participants.

BECOMING A PHYSICIAN: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THEIR ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT, WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-47
Author(s):  
Tamires Martins Bastos ◽  
Carolina Stopinski Padoan ◽  
Vanina Lima Monteiro ◽  
Márcia Mocellin Raymundo ◽  
Cristina Plentz Pessi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Environment ◽  
Medical Culture ◽  
Institutional Rules ◽  
Excessive Competition ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Medical students are a population at higher risk for psychological distress and mental health disorders when compared to the general population. Evidence-based interventions to promote well-being are available, but the rates of anxiety, burnout, depression, and suicide are not decreasing as expected. This scenario can lead to poor academic outcomes and lower assistance capability. Students are frequently targeted in interventions, but the academic environment itself is seldomly a target. Qualitative research is an insightful approach in deriving a deeper understanding of phenomena that are suitable to culture-sensitive interventions. Objective: To explore student’s perception of medical school and their understanding of which factors underly the path from well-being to impaired mental health. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was performed. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted, comprising students from all medical school years. Grounded theory was used to analyze data, and Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed. Feedback from participants and through external supervision were conducted in ensuring saturation, reliability, and coherence. Results: Five main categories were identified: socioeconomic aspects, university environment (including culture, institutional functioning, and relationships), training issues, career demands, and mental health. Both personal and environmental factors were highlighted as contributors and stressors. Conclusion: A medical career appears to be related to a culture of omnipotence where excellence is frequently misconstrued as perfection. The complex relations between personal and environmental factors demand comprehensive strategies. Institutional rules could be adapted to avoid enhancing excessive competition. In some cases, individual assistance is needed. Inclusion of the academic community’s perspective and targeting the negative aspects of the medical culture seem essential to move forward in the field of mental health and person-centered learning.

scholarly journals Increasing momentum in prevention of mental illness and mental health promotion across Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Author(s):  
Chiara Samele
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Fundamental Part ◽  
Illness Prevention ◽  
Health And Well Being

Prevention of mental illness and mental health promotion activities across Europe have gathered some pace since the launch of the European Union's Pact for Mental Health and Well-Being in 2008. Within the context of a large treatment gap in mental health and limited resources to meet the high demand for mental healthcare, a concerted effort is now needed to ensure that initiatives in both mental illness prevention and mental health promotion become a fundamental part of where we are educated, work and live. Cost-effective, evidence-based approaches in prevention and promotion make these initiatives more accessible.

Meditation buffers medical student compassion from the deleterious effects of depression.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Mascaro ◽  
Sean Kelley ◽  
Alana Darcher ◽  
Lobsang Negi ◽  
Carol Worthman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Wait List ◽  
School Students ◽  
Social Emotions ◽  
The Face ◽  
Second Year

Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychologicaldemands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physiciancompetence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion inways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To addressthis issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-basedcompassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreasesdepression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Comparedto the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreasedloneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting highlevels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breakingthe link between personal suffering and a concomitant drop in compassion

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 169-170
Author(s):  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Karl Shieh ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

scholarly journals Food for thought: the importance of nutritional well-being during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
L. Burke-Furey ◽  
F. McNicholas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Current Experience ◽  
Roll Out

Individuals with mental illness have poorer physical health, nutritional status, and lowered life expectancy. Optimising their physical and nutritional status has become an increasingly important therapeutic goal. Current experience with COVID-19 has further emphasised the susceptibility to physical illness and poorer outcomes amongst individuals with mental illness and those who are nutritionally compromised. Although life as we knew it has been suspended until the widespread roll-out of a vaccine, individuals can take immediate action to improve physical and mental health by attending to and optimising their nutritional well-being. Clinicians within mental health services have a crucial role to play in assisting such change, and reminding their patients of the importance of pursuing a healthy and balanced diet.

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