Rates of depression and anxiety among female medical students in Pakistan.

This study in 2002 determined the rate of anxiety and depression, and the associated social and environmental factors, among 87 randomly selected female medical students at a medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. Students completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale and a questionnaire about life events, social behaviour and past medical history. Overall, 43.7% of students reported anxiety and 19.5% depression. Students living in university dormitories were significantly more depressed and anxious than those living at home. Those having a history of negative life events in the recent past were more likely to be depressed. Students in their first 2 years of medical school were more stressed, and those who had more friends were less anxious and depressed.