Citation

Kirsch DJ, Doerfler LA, Truong D. J. Am. Coll. Health 2014; 63(1): 50-56.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry , University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester , Massachusetts.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2014.960423

PMID

25222760

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe diagnostic and psychotropic medication prescription characteristics among college students referred by college counseling centers for psychopharmacologic evaluation. Participants: Participants were 540 college students referred by six college counseling centers in Massachusetts between November 2005 and May 2011.

METHOD: Students completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and attempts, and substance use. Information regarding DSM-IV diagnosis, previous history of medication prescription, and current psychotropic medication(s) prescribed by the consulting psychiatrist was obtained from medical records.

RESULTS: Depression, anxiety, and ADHD were the most common psychiatric problems identified in students. Half of these students had been prescribed mediation prior to evaluation. Antidepressant medication was the most frequently prescribed medication. A large proportion of students reported previous thoughts of suicide, and 12% had made at least one suicide attempt.

CONCLUSIONS: Depression, anxiety and ADHD are common among students referred by college counseling centers for medication evaluation and treatment.

Language: en