Trends in college students’ mental health diagnoses and utilization of services, 2009–2015

Abstract

Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previous use of campus MH services, and willingness to seek MH services in the future. Participants: ACHA–NCHA II participants from 2009 to 2015 (n = 454,029). Methods: Hierarchical binary logistic regression with step 1 controlling for demographics and step 2 considering time. Results: Time was significant except for bipolar disorder, bulimia, and schizophrenia with increases for all conditions except substance abuse. Anxiety (OR = 1.68), panic attacks (OR = 1.61), and ADHD (OR = 1.40) had the highest odd ratios. Use of MH services at current institution (OR = 1.30) and willingness to utilize services in the future (OR = 1.37) also increased over time. Conclusions: Based on a national sample, self-reported diagnoses/treatment of several MH conditions are increasing among college students. This examination of a variety of MH issues can aid college health professionals to engage institutional stakeholders regarding the resources needed to support college students’ MH.

Keywords:

• College students
• diagnosis
• mental health
• treatment
• trends

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States. The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institutional Review Board stated the study was exempt from Human Subjects review.

Authors’ Note

The opinions, findings, and conclusions presented/reported in this article are those of the authors, and are in no way meant to represent the corporate opinions, views, or policies of the American College Health Association (ACHA). ACHA does not warrant nor assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented in this article/presentation. The dataset is ACHA–NCHA II but we do not have permission to provide access to the data. Individuals interested can contact ACHA directly to submit a data request.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.