Pre-existing mental health problems in medical students: a retrospective survey.
BACKGROUND
The undergraduate medical course is demanding. Each year, a small number of students 'struggle', for academic or other reasons. Recent studies at Nottingham reported anecdotal evidence that those who struggle disclose a much higher incidence of psychological distress than those who do not struggle.


OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to assess whether a group of students with mental health problems were more likely to have a pre-admission history of similar problems.


METHODS
Three year-cohorts of medical students were classified as struggling or not on the course, and whether they disclosed mental health problems during their course. The Nottingham Occupational Health Service carried out a confidential review of pre-admission health questionnaires.


RESULTS
Students who struggled on the course and disclosed mental health problems were more likely to have a relevant pre-admission history. One third of those with a positive history disclosed a further significant episode.


CONCLUSIONS
Existing pastoral care mechanisms may need to be enhanced in order to identify and support potentially vulnerable students.
Yates
Janet
J
University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK.
James
David
D
Aston
Ian
I
D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology