A study published in Academic Medicine found depression affected medical interns' studies and daily activities.
Study author Douglas A. Mata, MD, MPH, a resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues screened interns from six institutions for depression between 2007 and 2008. The researchers screened the interns before and during the internship using an online survey that included that Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Here are five points:
1. Of the 63 percent of interns who participated in the original cohort study, 42 percent answered the open-ended questions for the analysis.
2. Thirty-five percent of interns screened positive for depression during their intern year.
3. Interns diagnosed with depression were more likely to report problems with cynicism, exhaustion and stress.
4. Comparatively, the interns without depression symptoms were more likely to mention positive patient care and educational experiences.
5. Interns with depression symptoms described experiences that "broke" their confidence, sense of wellbeing and belief in the medical profession. Those without depression symptoms described profoundly positive, life-changing experiences in regards to patient interactions and colleague support.