A Cross-Sectional study of Psychiatric disorders in Medical Sciences Students

INTRODUCTION: Aim of article was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders (depression, social dysfunction, anxiety and somatic symptoms) and some of its influencing factors in freshmen at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study which has conducted among 781 new students of all faculties of University in 2014. A study tool was the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28). RESULTS: Founding of this study has shown that from 781 students under study (33% male and 67% female). 27.9% of students have been suspected of some degree of mental disorders. The average total score of the questionnaire for male students was18.04±12.02 and for female students was18.69±12.13, but no significant difference was observed between the average score of mental health and sex(p<0.05). The average overall score in Ph.D students was higher than this score in undergraduates and masters that it shows there is more mental disorders in this group. But no significant difference between level of education and average mental health score, anxiety and health problems was observed(p<0.05). In terms of depression subscale(p<0.05) and social adjustment(p<0.001), this difference was significant. CONCLUSION: Due to high prevalence of mental disorders in these students, counseling and therapeutic interventions to eliminate or reduce these problems must be designed.