Open AccessEine Längsschnittstudie zur Kausalität zwischen Belastung im Studium, Depressivität und kognitivem Neuroenhancement bei Medizinstudierenden in NRW
Author(s) -
Petra Maria Gaum,
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Julia Darwig,
Jessica Lang,
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Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
arbeitsmedizin, sozialmedizin, umweltmedizin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.114
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 2363-4669
pISSN - 0944-6052
DOI - 10.17147/asu-2102-9163
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , medicine , depressive symptoms , medical prescription , causality (physics) , clinical psychology , psychology , cognition , psychiatry , physics , quantum mechanics , economics , pharmacology , macroeconomics
A longitudinal study on the causal relationship between study-related stress, depressive symptoms and cognitive neuroenhancement among medical students in NRW Objectives: Medical students report high levels of study-related stress. They are also subject to an increased risk of depression. Study-related stress may lead to the consumption of a range of different substances in order to meet study requirements (pharmacological neuroenhancement = PN). This study therefore investigates the causal links between study-related stress, depression and PN. Methods: In total, 204 medical students in NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) participated in the online survey [age: M(SD) = 24.1 (3.6); 20.1% male]. A longitudinal design with two measuring points was used with a 4-week interval. In order to measure PN, we asked how often different substances were consumed in the last four weeks to improve performance or reduce stress. The substances in question were divided and weighted according to soft enhancers, prescription drugs and illegal substances. Depressive symptoms were measured with the PHQ9 and study-related stress with the “Higher Education Stress Inventory”. Cross-lagged regression analysis (CLA) was used in order to determine causality. Results: The prevalence rates of depression were very high at 22.5% (t1) and 15.4% (t2). With regard to the causal relationship, study-related stress is a predictor of depressive symptoms but depression is not a predictor of study-related stress. Study-related stress is also a predictor of PN, but PN is not a predictor of stress. Both CLA effects were equally significant for depressive symptoms and PN. Conclusions: Study-related stress is a predictor of depressive symptoms and performance-enhancing PN. No clear causality could be found for depressive symptoms and PN, as they influence each other. Lecturers and university medical institutions should be made aware of the effects of study-related stress and be given appropriate advice in order to prevent depression and PN. Keywords: cognitive neuroenhancement – study-related stressors – medical students – depressive symptoms