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Drinking and depression in Norwegian doctors : a 15-year longitudinal study

Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Physicians have a greater risk of suicide than academics and other health professionals, and several studies have identified high levels of depressive symptoms among physicians. Alcohol problems and depression often co-occur and they increase the risk of suicide. Mental health problems can interfere with a physician’s care of his/her patients. The aim of this study was to provide more detailed information about the prevalence, courses, and individual risk factors of alcohol problems and depression. All medical students who graduated in 1993 and 1994 were followed in five stages over a 15-year period. \n\nThe results of this thesis showed that despite a decline in the prevalence of severe depressive symptoms, there was no decline in hazardous drinking during the follow-up period. Positive expectancy about the tension-reducing effects of alcohol predicted hazardous drinking six years later. Perceived inadequate maternal care during childhood predicted severe depressive symptoms several years after graduation. This relationship was partly explained by low self-esteem. Additional possible risk factors for severe depressive symptoms examined in an expanded model included parental bonding, age, sex, personality, perceived medical school stress, and perceived clinical skills and competence. Young age, neuroticism, and reality weakness (a pathological personality dimension) were found to be risk factors, as were earlier depressive symptoms. \n\nTogether, these results show that individual risk factors for both depressive symptoms and hazardous drinking can be identified early in a doctor’s medical career. Measures to prevent hazardous drinking and minimize depression among doctors should be implemented early in their careers.
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2404788046
Cites: 255
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Related to: 10