The Role of Anhedonia in Suicidal Ideation among Medical Students: A Predictive Analysis

Objective: To assess the possibility of anhedonia as the predictor of suicidal ideation in medical students. Method: The survey study was conducted in multiple medical colleges of Karachi, Pakistan. A complete data of 212 medical students was collected after obtaining their informed consent. The scales administered were, Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)10 and Suicidal Ideation Attribute Scale (SIDAS)11. The relationship between the variables of Anhedonia and suicidal ideation was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis via SPSS version 25.0. Result: Out of 212 participants, 102 (48.1%) were males and 110 (51.9%) females. The age range of participants were 21 – 25-year-old (22.4±, .971). A linear regression analysis revealed a significant predictive relationship between anhedonia and suicidal ideation in medical students (R² = .210, p < .001). Conclusion: The predictive link between anhedonia and suicidal ideation in medical students was confirmed through linear regression, showing a meaningful relationship.