RT Journal Article
T1 Use of Benzodiazepines in Medical Students: A Comparative Analysis Between Medical and Other University Degrees
A1 Fernandez de Frutos, Paula
A1 García Sánchez, Francisco Javier
A1 Mudarra García, Natalia
A1 Roque Rojas, Fernando
A1 Ihtisham-Kakakhel, Syed
A1 Luordo Tedesco, Davide
AB 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.
PB MDPI
YR 2025
FD 2025-09-01
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/123974
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/123974
LA eng
NO Fernández de Frutos, P., García-Sánchez, F. J., Mudarra-García, N., Roque-Rojas, F., Ihtisham-Kakakhel, S., & Luordo-Tedesco, D. (2025). Use of Benzodiazepines in Medical Students: A Comparative Analysis Between Medical and Other University Degrees. Medical Sciences, 13(3), 164. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030164
NO IDIPHISA Foundation
NO Infanta Cristina University Hospital
DS Docta Complutense
RD 1 ene 2026