BACKGROUND: The undergraduate medical course is demanding. Each year, a small number of students 'struggle', for academic or other reasons. Recent studies at Nottingham reported anecdotal evidence that those who struggle disclose a much higher incidence of psychological distress than those who do not struggle. AIMS: The study aimed to assess whether a group of students with mental health problems were more likely to have a pre-admission history of similar problems. METHODS: Three year-cohorts of medical students were classified as struggling or not on the course, and whether they disclosed mental health problems during their course. The Nottingham Occupational Health Service carried out a confidential review of pre-admission health questionnaires. RESULTS: Students who struggled on the course and disclosed mental health problems were more likely to have a relevant pre-admission history. One third of those with a positive history disclosed a further significant episode. CONCLUSIONS: Existing pastoral care mechanisms may need to be enhanced in order to identify and support potentially vulnerable students.
BACKGROUND: The undergraduate medical course is demanding. Each year, a small number of students 'struggle', for academic or other reasons. Recent studies at Nottingham reported anecdotal evidence that those who struggle disclose a much higher incidence of psychological distress than those who do not struggle. AIMS: The study aimed to assess whether a group of students with mental health problems were more likely to have a pre-admission history of similar problems. METHODS: Three year-cohorts of medical students were classified as struggling or not on the course, and whether they disclosed mental health problems during their course. The Nottingham Occupational Health Service carried out a confidential review of pre-admission health questionnaires. RESULTS: Students who struggled on the course and disclosed mental health problems were more likely to have a relevant pre-admission history. One third of those with a positive history disclosed a further significant episode. CONCLUSIONS: Existing pastoral care mechanisms may need to be enhanced in order to identify and support potentially vulnerable students.
Authors: João P Pacheco; Henrique T Giacomin; Wilson W Tam; Tássia B Ribeiro; Claudia Arab; Italla M Bezerra; Gustavo C Pinasco Journal: Braz J Psychiatry Date: 2017-08-31 Impact factor: 2.697
Authors: Giuseppina Lo Moro; Sara Carletto; Vittoria Zuccaroli Lavista; Giovanna Soro; Fabrizio Bert; Roberta Siliquini; Paolo Leombruni Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-10-06 Impact factor: 4.964