Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2018
Studies of utilisation of psychiatric services have shown that between 4 and 18% of medical students annually identify themselves as ‘impaired’ (Dickstein et al, 1990). An unknown number of students may be ill but do not seek help – they soldier on through classes and clinics not realising that their sleep disturbance, worry, vague pains, flagging spirits, failing grades or increasing use of alcohol represent symptoms of strain and possible psychiatric disorder. Some suspect or know that they are ill but the stigma of accepting mental illness or seeking professional help is so profound that they suffer silently.
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