Understanding ADHD in AAPI College Students: Prevalence, Comorbidities, Impairments, and Treatment Utilization

Abstract

Objective: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students with ADHD may face increased risk for college maladjustment due to cultural factors and a tendency to delay treatment. This is the first study to examine ADHD prevalence, ADHD-related impairments and comorbidities, and ADHD treatment utilization in AAPI college students. Method: AAPI, White, Hispanic, and Black undergraduates ( n = 258,005) from the American College Health Association—National College Health Assessment II survey were included in the study. Results: AAPI students had lower ADHD prevalence rates than White and Black students, and similar prevalence to Hispanic students. AAPI students with ADHD had significantly higher risk for comorbidities and social and academic impairments, compared to White students with ADHD. Approximately half of AAPI students with ADHD did not utilize treatment despite experiencing psychiatric comorbidities and functional impairments. Conclusion: AAPI college students with ADHD are underutilizing treatment despite elevated psychiatric comorbidities and functional impairment.