Original scientific paper

Are Medical Students more Subjective to Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Andreja Nevajda ; Department of Neurology, Basildon University Hospital, Nethermayne, Basildon, United Kingdom
Mislav Puljević ; University of Zagreb, School of medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Andrea Blažević ; Student at University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Eugen Ciglenečki ; Student at University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Studying medicine was assumed to be a risk factor to develop hypochondriacal tendencies. The main objective of this
study was to determine if the medical students develop hypochondriacal worries more frequently than other, non – medical, students. We gathered a sample of 376 medical students and 367 non – medical students, total of 743 students.
Whiteley Index, a fast screening test for hypochondriacal worries, along with three extra questions, was given to students
to fill out. Significantly higher score on Whiteley Indeks was determined among medical students than in non – medical
students. It was also shown that the medical students on third and fourth year of study were especially more subjective to
develop hypochondriasis. The findings indicate that medical students are more subjective to develop hypochondriacal
tendencies. Organization of medical and psychological help for students should be established.

Keywords

llness anxiety disorder; medical students; hypochondriasis; Whiteley Indeks

Hrčak ID:

223984

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/223984

Publication date:

28.3.2019.

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