Depression and Academic Impairment in College Students

Abstract

Impairment from depression and its impact on productivity are of profound societal importance. We report the results of an evaluation of depression and academic impairment in university students, using standardized measures. Sixty-three students completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the work role section from the Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report. Academic impairment, manifested as missed time from class, decreased academic productivity, and significant interpersonal problems at school, was seen in 92% of the students. More severe depression was related to a higher level of impairment. At all levels of depression, affective impairment-inadequacy, distress, and disinterest in school-was more prevalent than was academic impairment. The risk of academic impairment became likely at only moderate-to-severe levels of depression. Discussing the implications of depression with students and aggressively pursuing both medication and nonmedication therapies are essential in preventing the high morbidity associated with untreated depression.

Risk factors for generally reduced productivity—a prospective cohort study of young adults with neck or upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms

“…Furthermore, distress, depression, high stress, and fatigue have been shown to be risk factors for productivity loss among adults (8,16,25,28,31). For young adults, depression has been found to be associated with reduced productivity (32,33), and tension headaches or migraine headaches have also shown the same association for this group (34,35).…”

Investigating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression Symptoms among NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes

“…This result implies that one may recover from the psychological impact of injury over time but that recent history of injury is of particular significance with respect to the development of depression symptoms. Although symptoms may dissipate over time, experiencing depression symptoms can result in a number of immediate negative consequences to the individual, ranging from impairment of academic performance [55] to an increased risk of suicide [56]. Therefore, it is vital that any athlete experiencing symptoms of depression following an injury receives treatment rather than being allowed to assume they will simply recover over time.…”

Effect of Work Stressors, Personal Strain, and Coping Resources on Burnout in Chinese Medical Professionals: A Structural Equation Model

“…These work stressors tap into the vulnerability of medical professionals and result in burnout. Occupational stressors in the absence of adequate coping resources possibly contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and a decrease in service provision [10][11][12] . Thus, further understanding work stress and coping variables that may relate most closely to burnout among medical professionals is necessary.…”