title: Depression, financial problems and other reasons for suspending medical studies, and requested support services: findings from a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to qualitatively explore medical students' reasons for suspending, or thinking of suspending, their studies and the types of support services they request.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected through an anonymous online survey. Medical students' responses to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses were received from 475 students. Financial problems, doubts as to whether medicine was the right vocation, and depression were the most commonly reported themes. Students endorsed a wide range of other pressures and concerns, barriers to obtaining assistance, and also suggested solutions and services to address their concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medical students' financial concerns and potential depressive symptoms should be addressed by university and faculty support services. Government financial support mechanisms for students should also be reviewed. Students' suggestions of the types of services and their location must be borne in mind when allocating resources.
authors.affiliation: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia. nsoh@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Nerissa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Soh
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lampe
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Gin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Malhi
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walter
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D003863:Depression; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D012944:Social Support; D013332:Student Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*