Suicidal ideation in medical students

Abstract

Suicidal ideation in young adults is an increasingly burdensome issue worldwide. Further, previous research has shown a very high prevalence of suicidal ideation in medical students, ranging from 9.1% to 48.2%. Many factors have been identified as likely contributors to the development of suicidal tendencies in this specific population including certain behavioral and personality traits, co-existing mental health problems, and stressful personal or academic events. In addition, female medical students have been found to have significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation than the general population.