The Ongoing Mental Health Plight of Depressed College Students: Clinical Recommendations and the Importance of Early Screening and Detection

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of college students. The psychological distress from the pandemic increased risk for provisional rates of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) during an already crucial developmental period. Using an online survey, participants were assessed for a provisional diagnosis of MDD using a validated screening tool, along with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and psychosocial correlates. Findings showed a significant increase in the prevalence of MDD, and significant differences in social support, loneliness, substance use, GAD and suicidality were identified. Early screening and detection for potential MDD symptoms can reduce the severity, duration, and reoccurrence of future MDD episodes for college students.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.