Common Mental Health Issues in College Students

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a relatively common mental health condition that affects a person’s ability to focus and sit still. This condition is actually caused by differences in brain development, and is thought to be caused by genetics. Males are three times as likely as females to be diagnosed with ADHD. When left untreated, it can cause serious issues with a young person’s ability to perform in college, leaving them feeling overwhelmed by class work and often only managing poor grades. This significantly increases the risk of dropping out. Signs of ADHD include an inability to sit still, fidgeting, being unable to concentrate on tasks, impulsive actions, being excessively talkative, interrupting others, and being unable to wait your turn.

Bipolar disorder is another mental health concern that can range from mild to severe. The median age of onset for this disorder is 25, which means that many people who develop it will begin showing symptoms in college. It is characterized by severe mood swings (manic vs. depressive) that affect how a person feels and behaves.

Common symptoms of manic episodes include being abnormally upbeat, energetic, agitated, jumpy, and euphoria. The most severe types of bipolar disorder may even experience hallucinations or delusions during manic episodes. During depressive episodes, the symptoms will be almost the exact opposite. Extreme lethargy, sadness, loss of interest in activities, anger, depression, and low motivation can all be signs of a bipolar depressive episode. Both types of episodes can last days, weeks, or even months, and can also be associated with suicidal thoughts.

Studies on depression among college students have found that it is perhaps the most common mental health concern for this age group. An estimated 30 percent of college students experience depression severe enough to affect their ability to function. There are a few different types of depressive disorders, some of which can also cause anxiety issues. The most common symptoms of depression include trouble concentrating, short-term memory problems, feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, hopelessness, changes in sleeping patterns, loss of interest in activities, changes in eating habits, persistent sadness, and suicidal thoughts or actions.