Researchers used data that was collected on 5,000 people ages 19 to 25 years old who participated in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. They compared the participants' answers to criteria for mental illnesses as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is used by doctors to diagnose mental illness.
Among college students in the study, 20 percent had alcohol abuse or dependency and 18 percent exhibited symptoms consistent with personality disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive, anti-social, and paranoid disorders. Eleven percent had depression, bipolar or other mood disorders. About 46 percent of college students had at least one psychiatric problem, as did 48 percent of non-college students.
Non-college students were more likely to seek treatment for alcohol and drug dependency, but treatment levels for both groups were low. The study found that fewer than 25 percent of the college students got treatment for mental problems. One recommendation was to create more university programs to screen for mental illnesses and provide interventions.
Labels: mental_health, mental_illness
Posted By: Aspen Education Group