More than half of the medical students who apply for a dispensation drop out and need focused counselling.

INTRODUCTION The Student Counselling Service at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, has experienced an increase in medical students with poor mental well-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a descriptive, retrospective survey of 1,056 medical students commencing their studies in the period from September 2003 to February 2006. The study had a four-year follow-up period. Demographics, delay, discontinuation and dispensations were determined. Each application was reviewed and the reasons why each student applied were recorded. RESULTS Applicants were significantly older than non-applicants. 90.9% of the dispensations were related to first-year examinations (50 students). A significantly higher number of dispensation applicants (58.2%) discontinued their studies (32 students) compared with dispensation non-applicants. 54.6% of the applicants (30 students) did not pass their first-year examinations. The study time was delayed by more than two years among 67.3% of the applicants (37 students). 27.3% of the applicants were students with a foreign qualifying exam (15 students). Females listed mainly emotional reasons in their applications. Such reasons included, among others, depression, stress and anxiety. In contrast, males listed study- and family-related issues. CONCLUSION Focused student counselling is recommended for all students of medicine, especially in the first year of their studies. Furthermore, lessons aiming to build study skills and teach students how to cope with study-related stress and exam-related anxiety are recommended. Particular attention should be given to foreign students. Each applicant should be advised individually. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.