One in three interns shows symptoms of post-traumatic stress since the coronavirus crisis, according to a study published Friday by the National Intersyndicale Nationale des Internes (Isni), which is alarmed by the impact of the epidemic on "health mental health "of young medical practitioners.
"The epidemic has been very anxiety-provoking for interns", underlines Isni in this survey, carried out between March 20 and May 11 among 892 doctors in training, via a questionnaire based on tools used in psychiatric studies .
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Anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depressive symptoms
"The arrival of an unknown virus, the carrying out of new care for patients in serious states, overwork, lack of supervision, screening tests and protective equipment have increased the stress of these young professionals ", adds Isni.
In total, 47.1% of respondents had symptoms of anxiety in mid-May, 15 points more than in 2017; 29.8% showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and 18.4% displayed depressive symptoms.
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Interns represent 44% of hospital doctors
"Nightmares, feeling unable to cope, not being able to talk about it, irritability, anger, anxiety, sadness ... This study shows that these symptoms are very present", underlines Insi, worried about the impact of the "intern mental health" epidemic.
Medical interns, future doctors employed at the hospital as part of end-of-course internships, have found themselves on the front line in recent weeks against coronavirus in many establishments. According to Isni, they currently represent 44% of hospital doctors.