National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students
Broad surveys of medical students and doctors continue to show high levels of psychological distress. Often this is based on small local surveys, but is also supported by large scale and diverse surveys such as this one conducted by beyondblue in Australia, based on thousands of responses. The overall results are dramatic and the report is free to download, so we recommend further reading.
However, we also note that the report focuses on general systematic and demographic factors describing the characteristics of mental health issues. So we also see this as evidence of an ongoing emphasis on the prevalence of the problem, and the need for further exploration of the processes that underpin these experiences and concerns.
…we see this as evidence of the need for further exploration of the processes that underpin these experiences and concerns.
Information below excerpted from: Doctors’ Mental Health Program
“In February/March 2013, a national survey of Australian medical students and doctors was conducted by beyondblue and its key partners. The survey followed on from the findings of The Mental Health of Doctors – A systematic literature review which found that there was limited research examining issues associated with the mental health of medical students and doctors that is specific to the Australian context.
The key objectives of the survey were to:
- better understand the issues associated with the mental health of Australian medical students and doctors
- increase awareness across the medical profession and broader community of issues associated with the mental health of medical students and doctors.
- inform the development of mental health services, programs and support for medical students and doctors to address the prevalence of depression and anxiety.”
Download the National Mental Health of Doctors Literature Review 2010: Executive Summary
Download the National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students: Final Report