Introduction

Mental disorders are an increasingly common phenomenon in the Polish population. Medical students are at high risk of developing mental disorders.

Aim of the research

To investigate the prevalence of mental disorders among medical university students, the level of stress, the use of psychotherapy, and the use of psychiatric medications.

Material and methods

The study was conducted using an original survey, which was distributed among students from the first to the sixth year of the Medical University between February 20 and March 8, 2024. Students received a survey consisting of 22 questions in their university email inbox.

Results

1132 students participated in the study. A mental disorder was diagnosed in 28.6% of the respondents. The most common disorder was depression, diagnosed in 16.52% of students, followed by anxiety disorders, which were diagnosed in 15.02% of respondents. 60.1% of students with diagnosed mental disorders took psychiatric medications, and 66% used psychotherapy. Among students, the most frequently indicated level of stress on a daily basis was medium, followed by high.

Conclusions

The prevalence of mental disorders among medical students is higher than in the general population. The most common mental disorder is depression. The most commonly taken psychiatric drug is sertraline. Medical students face high levels of stress on a daily basis.