Mental Health of College Students and Their Non–College-Attending Peers

Abstract

Context Although young adulthood is often characterized by rapid intellectual and social development, college-age individuals are also commonly exposed to circumstances that place them at risk for psychiatric disorders. Objective To assess 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders, sociodemographic correlates, and rates of treatment among individuals attending college and their non-college attending peers in the United States. Design, Setting, Participants Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions ([NESARC] n=43,093). Analyses were done for the subsample of college-age individuals, defined as those aged 19-25 that were both attending (n=2,188) and not attending college (n=2,904) in the previous year. Main Outcome Measure Sociodemographic correlates and prevalence of 12-month DSM-IV psychiatric disorders, substance use, and treatment seeking among college-attending individuals and their non-college attending peers. Results Almost half of college-age individuals had a psychiatric disorder in the past year. The overall rate of psychiatric disorders was not different between college-attending individuals and their non-college attending peers. The unadjusted risk of alcohol use disorders was significantly greater for college students than their non-college attending peers (OR: 1.25, 95%, CI:1.04-1.50), though not after adjusting for background socio-demographic characteristics (AOR: 1.19, 95%: 0.98-1.44). College students were significantly less likely (unadjusted and adjusted) to have a diagnosis of drug use disorder or nicotine dependence or have used tobacco than their non-college-attending peers. Bipolar disorder was less common in individuals attending college. College students were significantly less likely to receive past year treatment for alcohol/drug use disorders than their non-college-attending peers. Conclusions Psychiatric disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders, are common in the college-age population. Although treatment rates varied across disorders, overall, less than 25% of individuals with a mental disorder sought treatment in the year prior to the survey. These findings underscore the importance of treatment and prevention interventions among college-age individuals.

Graduation Prospects of College Students with Specific Learning Disorder and Students with Mental Health Related Disabilities

“…The percentage of these students in colleges and universities varies between 30% and 50% (Blanco et al, 2008;Eisenberg, et al, 2007); many of these students may have other comorbidities.…”

“…For example, a large scale American study showed that among college and university students aged 19 to 25, "almost half of college-aged individuals had a psychiatric disorder in the past year" (Blanco et al, 2008(Blanco et al, , p. 1429, although almost 30% had a psychiatric diagnosis of substance use disorder. Blanco et al also reported that only 25% of students had sought treatment.…”

Efeito Das Variáveis Sociodemográficas E De Vulnerabilidade No Padrão De Uso De Álcool Em Mulheres Universitárias

“…One epidemiological study 30 reports that students are more prone to experience alcohol-related problems when compared to nonstudents and are twice as likely to develop disorders related to alcohol and other drugs than the remaining American population. Accessibility is a complex and subjective concept that partly depends on the individuals' economic resources.…”

Making a Third Space for Student Voices in Two Academic Libraries

“…Anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, and other mental health disorders are strikingly common among university-age people. 15 The Secrets Wall is one of several activities offered at the University of Iowa Main Library to support undergraduate students during final exams. Although originally launched as a means of stress relief, the Secrets Wall also offers an alternative form of casual peer education, with opportunities for reflection and conversation.…”