A study on the prevalence of depression among adolescent medical students, SS institute of medical sciences & research centre, Davangere, Karnataka

Introduction: Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood i.e in the age group of 10-19 years. At least 5% of adolescents, roughly 1 in 20 teenagers will experience an episode of major depression. Depression in adolescence has high risk of recurrence in adulthood and is also associated with risk of development of personality and conduct disorders. There is a clear link between Depression and suicide. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents. Most of the cases go unrecognized. The burden of mental disorders is expected to rise significantly in the next 20 years. Objectives: 1) To study the prevalence of depression among adolescent medical students of SSIMS & RC, Davangere. 2) To study the other co-existing psychological symptoms. Materials and method: A cross- sectional study was conducted among adolescent medical students of SSIMS & RC, Davangere applying 6 item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (6 KADS) to identify depression. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used after obtaining consent from them to study the coexisting psychological symptoms. The data was collected over a period of one month. (November 2011) Results: Out of 215 students 30 (14%) were identified depressed. Out of them 50% were 19 year old, 76.7% were females and 33.3% were men, all were Hindus, 20% SC and 80% Others. Associated coexisting symptoms were sleep disturbances(60:40 increased: decreased), appetite changes (47:20 increased: decreased), weight gain(40%), weight loss(43.3%), decrease in concentration(83.3%), decrease in academic performance(93.3%) preference to stay alone(43.3%) feeling like crying(53.3%), somatic symptoms(headache:80%, stomachache: 40%, backache:60%, dizzy: 40%, nervous: 60%). Conclusion: Out of 215 students 30 were identified depressed and they also had other co-existing psychological symptoms.