The transition from medical school to board-certified medical practice includes a period of intense, practical training known as medical residency. Medical residents are at risk for greater mental health distress than the general population. Interns, which are first year residents, are most at risk for, at worst, depression and suicidal ideation, and, at best, negative outlooks on the medical profession. Risk factors include role transition, decreased sleep, relocation, isolation, stigma toward mental health problems and treatment, and health care industry changes. Untreated mental health problems can lead to burnout later during a physician's career. Residents thrive on social and organisational support which can include systematic screening and treatment of mental health problems. Although research regarding best practices for addressing mental health problems during residency is limited, we offer four core strategies for preventing and addressing mental health problems in medical residents: education, screening, treatment, and support.
Mismatch negativity of preschool children at risk of developing mental health problems