A Global Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Psychological Morbidity in Medical Students: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Abstract

Psychological morbidity among medical students has become a major global concern due to the demanding nature of medical education. Depression, anxiety, and stress are highly prevalent and may adversely affect academic performance, professional development, and patient care outcomes. Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze the global prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following standard reporting guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to December 2025. Observational studies reporting prevalence of depression, anxiety, and/or stress among medical students using validated tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, DASS-21) were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: A total of 52 studies involving approximately 68,400 medical students across 22 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of depression was 29.4% (95% CI: 26.1–32.9%), anxiety 35.7% (95% CI: 31.8–39.8%), and stress 40.2% (95% CI: 36.0–44.5%). Female students and those in clinical years demonstrated higher prevalence rates. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² > 85%). Regional variations indicated higher prevalence in South Asia and the Middle East compared to Europe. Conclusion: Psychological morbidity among medical students is alarmingly high worldwide, with a significant proportion experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings highlight the urgent need for early screening, institutional mental health support, and curriculum reforms to promote student well-being and resilience.