PREVALENCE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS AMONG PAKISTANI MEDICAL STUDENTS

  The study design involved administering a closed-ended questionnaire to 200 medical students from both public and private medical colleges in Lahore. The researchers employed simple random sampling to select participants. To assess depression and anxiety levels, they used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). The prevalence of antidepressant use among the surveyed students revealed that approximately 30% of students were considered normal without any depression or anxiety. A significant majority (70%) experienced mild, moderate, or severe depression and stress, highlighting the substantial mental health burden faced by medical students. Interestingly, perceptions regarding antidepressant drugs varied and 53% of students believed that antidepressant drugs effectively reduce depression and anxiety. Conversely, 47% of students thought that antidepressants did not adequately alleviate anxiety and depression. The study concluded that Pakistani medical students are using antidepressants without proper consultation, raising concerns about self-medication and potential adverse effects. To mitigate risks, promoting an active lifestyle and emphasizing professional advice before starting any medication are crucial steps. This becomes even more relevant during lockdowns, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.