Prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical and pharmaceutical students in Alexandria University

Introduction: Depression and anxiety in the community are considered as specific indicator for mental status of a person and various studies have documented anxiety and depression among medical and pharmaceutical students. Objective: In this study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was measured among medical and pharmaceutical students in the Alexandria University. Methods: Students from both faculties were asked to complete both Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory. Results: In Faculty of Medicine, with total number of 164 students, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was found to be 43.9% and 57.9%, respectively, based on the cut-off points of both questionnaires. In Faculty of Pharmacy, with total number of 164 students, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was found to be 29.3% and 51.1% respectively, based on the cut-off points of both questionnaires. Conclusion: The study revealed significant distress among both medical and pharmaceutical students. Moreover, it was concluded that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Faculty of Medicine was found higher than that in Faculty of Pharmacy. Furthermore, it was noticed that the prevalence of symptoms was higher among females.