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Article . 2025
License: CC BY NC
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY NC
Data sources: Datacite
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Tackling Nosophobia in Medical Undergraduates: A Multi-level Approach

Authors: Sangam, Sil;

Tackling Nosophobia in Medical Undergraduates: A Multi-level Approach

Abstract

Nosophobia or Medical Student Syndrome is characterized by excessive health anxiety that develops when medical students study various disease conditions. Though usually transient, this phenomenon can significantly impact students' mental health and academic performance. The present review explores the risk factors, clinical manifestations, and health impacts of nosophobia amongst medical undergraduates, synthesizing available evidence from global and Indian literature. Several factors contribute to nosophobia, including individual personality traits, early exposure to complex pathologies without adequate coping mechanisms, intense academic competition, and socio-cultural barriers that prevent open discussion of mental health concerns. Students typically present with heightened bodily awareness, persistent illness-related worries, and maladaptive behaviors like repeated self-examination and excessive internet symptom searching. Studies from the UK, Egypt, Poland and India demonstrate considerable prevalence of nosophobia among medical students, though manifestations vary across educational and cultural contexts. Indian research indicates that preclinical students experience higher health anxiety compared to clinical students, likely due to limited clinical exposure and lack of support systems. However, notable gaps exist, particularly the absence of longitudinal studies and limited evidence on intervention effectiveness. Based on available evidence, we propose a multilevel approach encompassing personal, peer, institutional and national level interventions. Recommended strategies include structured routines, reflective practices, professional counselling, peer mentoring, faculty sensitisation, regular mental health sessions, and integration of digital tools with programmes like TeleMANAS. Brief cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based interventions show particular promise for scalable implementation. Addressing nosophobia through such comprehensive, context-appropriate strategies is essential for protecting student wellbeing and ensuring optimal professional development of future doctors.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, national mental health program, nosophobia, medical student syndrome, Telemedicine

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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