SAÚDE MENTAL DE ESTUDANTES DE MEDICINA: IMPACTOS DA CARGA ACADÊMICA, ESTRATÉGIAS DE ENFRENTAMENTO E USO DE PSICOFÁRMACOS

Introduction. The academic period in medical courses is characterized by intense intellectual, emotional, and social demands, which can significantly impact students’ mental health. High workloads, pressure for academic performance, clinical requirements, and the inherent competitiveness of the course contribute to the onset of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being.Objectives. This study aims to investigate the impacts of academic workload on the mental health of medical students, the coping strategies adopted, and the use of psychotropic drugs.Rationale. The research is relevant as it provides updated evidence on the determinants of mental health in medical students, contributing to the understanding of risk factors, protective mechanisms, and effective interventions.Methodology. This is a systematic literature review that followed the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) to select articles published between 2020 and 2025 in PubMed and SciELO databases. Studies addressing the mental health of medical students, coping strategies, and the use of psychotropic drugs, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, with full-text availability were included. Studies outside the defined period or not freely accessible in full text were excluded.Results and Discussion. The reviewed studies indicate that high academic workload is associated with the onset of anxiety, depression, burnout, and insomnia symptoms, influenced by psychological, physiological, and behavioral factors. Effective coping strategies include regular physical activity, time management, social support, psychological counseling, and collaborative study groups. The use of psychotropic drugs, including anxiolytics, antidepressants, and stimulants, has been reported and requires careful supervision to benefit students. Conclusion. It can be concluded that academic workload has a multifactorial impact on the mental health of medical students, favoring the emergence of emotional symptoms and the use of psychotropic drugs. The development of preventive strategies, individualized support, and the promotion of healthy habits are essential to preserve well-being and ensure quality of life.