| dc.description.abstract | This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological distress among
medical students in Spain, a growing concern given the high prevalence rates of anxiety,
depression, and burnout reported across multiple medical schools and universities. To
assess the scope and key characteristics of this phenomenon, a thorough literature search
was conducted in the PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases. Studies
published between 2010 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals, written in English or
Spanish, and specifically focused on medical students enrolled in Spanish universities were
considered for inclusion. A total of 14 studies were analysed. The findings indicate that psychological distress often emerges early in medical training and tends to intensify as students
progress academically. Female medical students are consistently more affected, as most
of the studies reviewed indicate that they exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms,
trait anxiety, and perceived stress. Some research also suggests greater levels of burnout
among female students compared to their male peers. Key contributing factors include
academic overload and dissatisfaction, sleep deprivation, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Although awareness of the issue is increasing, available evidence suggests
that institutional responses remain limited, and that only a small number of universities
have implemented structured mental health programmes. Overall, the results underscore
the urgent need for institutional reforms in Spanish medical education to safeguard students’ mental wellbeing. Key priorities include revising curricula, implementing structured
emotional support programmes, and ensuring accessible services—requiring coordinated,
long-term commitment across academic, healthcare, and policy sectors. Future research
should explore longitudinal trends and the effectiveness of targeted interventions. | es |
