Ayesha Aslam, Ahsan Nauman, Saima Batool.
Frequency of Anxiety and Depression among Doctors at Postgraduate Resident Level.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;7(3):664-7.

Aim: To determine the frequency of Anxiety and Depression among doctors working at Post graduate resident level in a tertiary care hospital. Study design: Cross sectional study Place and duration of study: The study was carried out in January 2012 in all medical and surgical wards functioning at postgraduate level in Services hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: All available doctors working as postgraduate residents in medical and surgical wards were questioned using a simple standardized questionnaire based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 250 doctors fulfilled the inclusion criteria, out of which 195 participated in this study. Out of 55 remaining residents 20 didn’t properly and completely fill and return the questionnaires and 35 were not present at the time of study. Out of 195 residents 53(27%) had anxiety and 27 (14%) had depression. Anxiety and depression were found concomitantly in 15 (7.65%) doctors. Borderline anxiety was found in 127(65.1%) doctors and borderline depression in 53 (27%) doctors. Anxiety was seen in 22% females and 20% males. Depression was seen in 8% females and 11% males. All doctors who were separated had both anxiety and depression. Anxiety was seen in 57% and depression in 43% of divorced group. Married group had least levels of anxiety (19%) and depression (6%). Frequency of depression was almost equal in residents and government employed medical officers i.e 10% and 11% respectively. Anxiety was found in 19% of medical officers and 27% of residents. Anxiety was found in 32% of unpaid doctors as compared to 19% in paid doctors. Whereas depression was found to be 10% in both groups. Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that significant levels of anxiety and depression exist in our doctor working at tertiary care level. magnitude of this problem, factors linked to it and measures which can be taken in order to halt the escalating anxiety and depression among doctors.

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