Epidemiology and structure of depressive disorders among medical students
TL;DR
The findings indicate a high level of emotional distress among students and highlight the need for implementing psychological support programs, resilience training, and prevention of depressive states in academic settings.
Abstract
Introduction . Depressive disorders are a significant medical and social issue, particularly among young people, including medical students, due to high academic loads and stressful factors. Objective . To determine the prevalence and structure of depressive symptoms among students of the International Medical Institute of Kursk State Medical University (IMI KSMU). Materials and methods . A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2025 involving 60 students aged 18–25 years. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess the level of depression, and the data were processed using descriptive statistics. Results . Mild depression (5–9 points) was found in 40 % of respondents, moderate (10–14 points) in 23 %, and severe or very severe forms (15–27 points) in 22 %, while only 15 % of participants had no significant symptoms (0–4 points). The most common symptoms were low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 6.7 % of the respondents. Conclusion . The findings indicate a high level of emotional distress among students and highlight the need for implementing psychological support programs, resilience training, and prevention of depressive states in academic settings.