Use of psychiatric medication by college students: A decade of data

Abstract

Objectives: Given the rising prevalence of psychiatric symptomatology among college students, this analysis aims to identify temporal trends in psychiatric medication usage.Methods: This analysis used data from the Healthy Minds Study Survey administered between 2007 and 2019, yielding a sample of 320,817 university students. Survey data were examined via descriptive analyses.Results: Over the last decade from 2007 to 2018-2019, there was an increase in use of nearly all classes of psychiatric medications, with reported antidepressant medication (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], etc.) use increasing from 8.0% to 15.3%, anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines, buspirone, etc.) from 3.0% to 7.6%, psychostimulants from 2.1% to 6.3%, antipsychotics from 0.38% to 0.92%, and mood stabilizers from 0.8% to 2.0% (all p < 0.0001), respectively. In addition, the use of more than one category of medication at a time has increased, from 28.2% in 2007 to 40.8% in 2018-2019 (p < 0.0001).The proportion of students who received their most recent prescription for psychiatric medication from primary care providers has risen from 49.1% in 2007 to 58.8% in 2018-2019 (p < 0.0001), while the proportion receiving these prescriptions from psychiatric providers did not increase significantly and stands at 36.1% in 2018-2019.The percentage of students taking psychiatric medication without a prescription varied from year to year, starting at 11.9% in 2007 and ending at 7.7% in 2018-2019 (p < 0.0001). The proportion of students who discussed their use of psychiatric medication with their doctor or other health professional three or more times in the previous year has increased from 39.2% in 2007 to 49.5% in 2018-2019 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The proportion of college students who have taken psychiatric medications of all categories has risen in the last decade; these students are increasingly likely to be on more than one kind of psychiatric medication and be treated by healthcare providers at a greater frequency. Despite the growing complexity of student treatment, the proportion of students receiving psychiatric medication management by psychiatric providers has not changed, while the proportion receiving services in primary care settings has increased.

Opportunities for pharmacists to impact student health on college campuses

“…Mental health care needs of college students have been a growing concern due to the rising prevalence of these illnesses on college campuses. 20,21 The 2019 American College Health Association survey found that anxiety and depression are two of the most frequent health problems college students face during the academic year. 22 Furthermore, among students with at least one mental health problem, 60% had at least one mental health problem that persisted 2 years later.…”

“…20,21 The 2019 American College Health Association survey found that anxiety and depression are two of the most frequent health problems college students face during the academic year. 22 Furthermore, among students with at least one mental health problem, 60% had at least one mental health problem that persisted 2 years later. 23 As the prevalence of mental health disorders has grown, more students are receiving medication for these illnesses.…”

“…21 Utilization rates across psychiatric medication classes has nearly doubled over a decade (2007 and 2009-2019) across antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, stimulant, and mood stabilizer medications. 21 Students on college campuses "may experience the persistence, exacerbation, or first onset" of serious mental health disorders during their college years. 24 In addition, the increased use of psychotropic medications on college campuses presents additional opportunities for pharmacists to positively impact patient care.…”

“…Approximately 50% to 60% of students on college campuses report using a method of contraception, according to an American College Health Association 2019 survey. 22,32 Of the contraceptive methods identified, birth control pills (55.1%) and male condoms (59.9%) were the most frequently used among students. 22,32 Despite documented use of contraceptive methods in this population, women aged 20 to 24 have the highest prevalence of unintended pregnancy in the United States.…”

“…22,32 Of the contraceptive methods identified, birth control pills (55.1%) and male condoms (59.9%) were the most frequently used among students. 22,32 Despite documented use of contraceptive methods in this population, women aged 20 to 24 have the highest prevalence of unintended pregnancy in the United States. 33 Lack of education, and therefore, utilization of long-acting reversible contraception options may contribute to this issue.…”