Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among students of Wroclaw Medical University - own studies

Background. This paper concerns the problem of prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among students of Wroclaw Medical University according to DSM-IV criteria (for depression) and HADS scale (for both disorders). The authors have assessed correlations between incidence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, sex, weight, height, age, the most frequent somatic diseases, number of visits to a doctor and spell of sick absence in last academic year, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and medicines use, disorders of nutrition, physical activity. The author stried to define sources of stress in examined population. Material and methods. In the inquiry survey 320 students of Wroclaw Medical University took part, 226 women and 94 men in age ranged from 19 to 26. The survey was conducted by means of health questionnaire composed by author's questions and HADS. To diagnose depressive disorders the authors used questions based on DSM-IV criteria. Results. 6 (1.8%) people fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing depression and another 43 (15%) obtained the score, that may suggest occurrence of depressive disorder. Men dominated in this group. Symptoms of depression were related to allergic diseases (r = 0.58) and little time spent on physical activity (r = -0.58). 1 person (0.32%) was diagnosed with depressive symptoms according to HADS and 6 students (1.9%) were diagnosed with symptoms implying moderate depression. According to HADS-A symptoms of intense anxiety were found in 3 students (0.95%) and symptoms of moderate anxiety in 39 students (12.34%). Regardless of research tool the authors found that depressive symptoms were related to financial difficulties and appetite self-control disorders. Similar correlations were found for anxiety symptoms in HADS-A. No relation was noted between DSM-IV criteria and HADS-D subscale. The authors observed that almost half of examined students reckon studies as the most stressful matter in their life. Conclusions. 1. Among examined group prevalence of anxiety symptoms is higher than depressive symptoms. 2. Depressive and anxiety disorders are related to financial difficulties and problems with appetite self-control. 3. Students presenting symptoms of depression spent little time on physical exercise and more frequently suffer from allergy. 4. Attributes of depression revealed according to DSM-IV criteria do not correlate with result in HADS-D subscale. 5. Examined population is characterized by high level of stress.