This study in 2002 determined the rate of anxiety and depression, and the associated social and environmental factors, among 87 randomly selected female medical students at a medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. Students completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale and a questionnaire about life events, social behaviour and past medical history. Overall, 43.7% of students reported anxiety and 19.5% depression. Students living in university dormitories were significantly more depressed and anxious than those living at home. Those having a history of negative life events in the recent past were more likely to be depressed. Students in their first 2 years of medical school were more stressed, and those who had more friends were less anxious and depressed.