A new study from the Mental Health research theme provides insights into the trends and patterns of self-harm, neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health conditions in university students.
Concern that self-harm and mental health conditions are increasing in university students has been growing. Suggested causes include widening access to university, existing population trends and/or specific stressors they face like growing debt.
Key findings from the study include:
- Students generally have better mental health than non-students with similar backgrounds, but both groups experience similar levels of ADHD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and alcohol use.
- Records of self-harm, neurodevelopmental disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol use increased more among students compared to non-students.
- First year students were more at risk of alcohol use, and students with records of self-harm, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse before university were more likely to drop out.
- Students entering university at a later age were more at risk of self-harm, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health conditions compared to students entering university at a younger age.
This study sheds light on common, diverse, and wide-ranging mental health conditions among students, highlighting their different needs and journeys compared to non-students. The variety and complexity of these needs emphasise the importance of integrated multidisciplinary stepped-care pathways within universities, including triage, access to well-being support, counselling, and referral pathways to mental health services.