Use of Benzodiazepines in Medical Students: A Comparative Analysis Between Medical and Other University Degrees

Abstract

Background: The use of benzodiazepines among university students has been scarcely investigated. This situation raises particular concerns in medical students, due to their exposure to stressful situations and, especially, their familiarity with psychotropic drugs. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an anonymous online survey disseminated among universities in the Community of Madrid during April 2024. Results: 25.07% of students stated they had used benzodiazepines at least once, especially from the third academic year onwards. The prevalence was higher among medical students (32.34%). Use was mainly occasional, although 20.21% reported daily use. Among the reasons for use, managing academic stress reached 45.74%. Up to 15.96% of respondents reported a feeling of dependence, and 32.26% noticed concentration difficulties as a side effect of benzodiazepine use. Conclusions: Benzodiazepine use is a relevant phenomenon among university students, with particular incidence in medical degrees. Its onset usually coincides with advanced stages of the degree, which underscores the need for preventive interventions tailored to the academic environment and for the rational use of psychotropic drugs in young populations.