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

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2023 Jun;44(6):562-570. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2215866. Epub 2023 Jun 6.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Pandemics
  • Students / psychology