Self-medication with psychotropic drugs and mental health during residency. A survey of 2314 resident physicians

Background

Self-medication practices are a common trend among physicians, despite demonstrated risks and occupational hazards. Common mental health disorders such as anxiodepressive disorders are more frequent among medical students worldwide.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of self-treatment with psychotropic drugs during residency across all medical and surgical specialties.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire constructed from a literature review that addressed reported mental health disorders, patterns of psychotropic drug utilization, screening for depression (validated two-question screen test), mental health status numerical rating scale, and care pathways. The self-administered questionnaire was pretested and sent to all managers of French residents' organizations for dissemination. Sampling was voluntary with no predefined response threshold.

Results

Of the 2,314 respondents, 30.5% reported having used a psychotropic drug during residency; 21.7% (95% CI [20.0; 23.4]), for self-medication; and 8.0%, for regular self-medication. Of the 72% that reported a mental disorder, 22% consulted a professional about it. The proportion of residents who reported self-treatment with psychotropic drugs significantly increased with seniority (p<0.05). During residency, 41% reported they had never consulted an occupational physician, and 71% had never consulted a family medicine physician.

Conclusion

Based on this large-sample study, self-consumption of psychotropic drugs could involve 2 out of 10 residents during residency. We noted a discrepancy between reports of psychotropic medication use and reports of related mental disorders. Most residents reporting a mental disorder had not consulted a professional. These findings encourage consideration of residents’ perceptions and ambivalence regarding self-medication and mental health promotion during residency.