Depressive Symptoms among Plastic Surgery Residents.

BACKGROUND: A literature review did not reveal any study investigating the prevalence of depression among plastic surgery residents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional mail survey and included all Saudi Plastic Surgery residents in our local program in Saudi Arabia. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used. RESULTS: The inventory showed that mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms were prevalent in 20.6%, 38.2%, and 11.8%, respectively. Junior residents were more prone to depression. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence rate of depression among plastic surgery residents is alarming, and further studies are warranted. The problem has received no attention in the plastic surgery literature.