Research Article

Anxiety and Depression among Medical Students

Nishida Hilal
Georgian National University, SEU
* Corresponding author
DOI icon 10.24018/ejmed.2026.8.1.42460

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Submitted 2025-12-03
Published 2026-01-07

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Article Main Content

Background: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among medical students worldwide and are associated with academic pressure, bullying, sleep deprivation, and limited use of mental health resources.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical students and to explore associated academic, lifestyle, and psychosocial stressors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 38 medical students and recent graduates aged 18–45 years from universities in multiple countries. Data were collected on academic stress, mental health symptoms, bullying, sleep habits, lifestyle changes, coping strategies, and awareness of institutional mental health resources.

Results: Most participants (75%) reported medical school as stressful, and over half experienced persistent sadness or depressive symptoms. Panic attacks were reported by 11% of respondents, while 27.8% believed medical school contributed directly to anxiety or depression. Suicidal ideation was reported by 2.9%. Bullying was reported by 22% of participants, and 77.8% had never sought professional mental health support.

Conclusion: Medical students experience a substantial psychological burden influenced by academic pressure, bullying, sleep disturbance, and limited access to effective mental health support. Strengthening institutional mental health services and fostering supportive learning environments are essential.

Keywords: Anxiety Depression Medical Students Stress

Introduction

Depression affects approximately 280 million people globally, and suicide accounts for nearly one in every hundred deaths worldwide [1], [2]. Medical students represent a particularly vulnerable population, with consistently higher rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation compared with the general population [3]. Academic overload, emotional demands, competitive environments, and fear of failure contribute substantially to psychological distress during medical training.

In addition to academic stress, bullying, sleep deprivation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and underutilization of mental health resources further exacerbate mental health challenges among medical students. Despite growing awareness, stigma and fear of academic consequences often prevent students from seeking professional help.

This study aimed to assess anxiety and depression among medical students and to explore associated stressors, including academic pressure, bullying, sleep problems, lifestyle changes, and awareness of mental health resources.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students and recent graduates aged 18–45 years. A total of 38 participants were included. The sample consisted of students from universities in Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and India. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.

The survey collected self-reported data on perceived academic stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, bullying experiences, sleep habits, lifestyle changes, physical symptoms, coping strategies, and awareness and utilization of mental health resources. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages due to the exploratory nature and small sample size.

Results

Academic Stress and Mental Health

Seventy-five percent of participants reported that medical school was stressful, and approximately half felt overwhelmed by academic workload. Panic attacks were reported by 11% of respondents, while 27.8% believed that medical school contributed to anxiety or depression. More than half reported persistent sadness or depressive symptoms.

Suicidal Ideation and Help-Seeking

Suicidal thoughts were reported by 2.9% of participants, and 2.9% reported a history of self-harm or suicide attempts. Only 20% felt confident discussing suicidal thoughts with a trusted individual. The majority (77.8%) had never sought professional mental health help.

Bullying and Learning Environment

Bullying was reported by 22% of participants, involving peers, faculty, or staff. Only 39% felt comfortable reporting such incidents. Additionally, 26.5% believed that medical schools prioritize academic success over student well-being.

Lifestyle Factors and Coping

Most participants (86%) experienced physical or mental symptoms such as fatigue and headaches. Nearly all reported persistent fatigue despite sleep. Approximately half reported changes in diet or lifestyle. Common coping strategies included music, meditation, walking, creative activities, and family or religious support.

Discussion

This study reinforces existing evidence that medical students experience high levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Academic pressure and competitive environments remain major contributors, consistent with prior research. [3]–[5].

Bullying emerged as a significant concern, aligning with literature reporting high rates of harassment in medical education [5]–[7]. Such experiences negatively impact mental well-being and discourage help-seeking behavior.

Lifestyle factors, including sleep deprivation and poor health habits, further compound psychological distress [8]–[11]. Despite these challenges, professional mental health services remain underutilized, often due to stigma and perceived ineffectiveness.

Although limited by sample size, this exploratory study highlights persistent mental health challenges in medical education and underscores the need for institutional interventions.

Conclusion

Medical students face substantial anxiety and depression influenced by academic pressure, competitive culture, bullying, sleep deprivation, and lifestyle imbalance. Many students feel overwhelmed and fatigued, but few seek professional support.

Medical schools should:

• Improve awareness and accessibility of mental health services

• Promote healthy sleep, diet, and exercise habits

• Implement strong anti-bullying systems

• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health discussions

• Encourage open communication between faculty and students

Enhancing student well-being is essential for producing competent, compassionate healthcare professionals.

Limitations

The study’s small sample size (38 participants) limits its generalizability. Respondents were mainly from three universities in Tbilisi, although students from several countries participated. Cultural differences may have influenced responses. Therefore, findings may not fully represent all medical students.

Acknowledgment

Research Supervisor: Davit Giorgobiani, M.D (Lecturer, Georgian National University, SEU).

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that they do not have any conflict of interest.

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