Prevalence of clinical depression measured by the sds in person who carried out specialization programs in the health area in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

A cut study about prevalence of depression in 201 medical graduates (148 men 53 women) In their residency training in June of 1987 was made. They represented the three medical schools In Medellin and all were assessed by the SDS Zung scale of depression. 25% of men and 40% of women were found to have clinically significant symptomatology of depression (higher than 50 points In the scale) at moment of the study.
The most important levels of depression were found in women following residencies at the University of Antioquia medical school.
Next to then followed men of the same medical school and then men and women of the National Public Health School. Residents of the Pontifical Bolivarian University medical school showed a lesser degree of depression than the former.
An analysis of each symptom was made and the most frequent were: diminution of libido, early morning malaise, confusion, psychomotor retardation, lack of confidence for future events, general sadness, irritability, indecision and lack of enjoyment of dally activities.
This investigation points to the necessity of complementary studies of causality of these findings and of a possible administrative and therapeutic intervention In order to improve the situation of this population.