By Alan Lyndon
The transition to college life can be an extremely stressful experience for many students. A new study found that post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD) among college students more than doubled since 2017. The study, published today in JAMA, was conducted prior to the recent incidents on college campuses surrounding Israel/Palestine demonstrations.
From managing academic demands to navigating social relationships and facing uncertainty about the future, college can be a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. Additionally, college students may also be exposed to traumatic events such as accidents, assault, or the sudden loss of a loved one, which can trigger the development of PTSD. “The broader societal implications of PTSD and ASD are profound, including reduced workforce productivity and increased health care and economic burdens,” according to the study authors led by Yusen Zhai, PhD, Department of Human Studies, The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Researchers studied over 392,000 college students over a five year period from 2017-2022. The rate of PTSD and ASD in those participants more than doubled, most likely due to effects related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The prevalence of PTSD increased by 4.1 percentage points from 3.4% to 7.5%, and that of ASD increased by 0.5 percentage points from 0.2% to 0.7%,” according to the study.
Symptoms of PTSD in college students may vary but can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event. These symptoms can significantly impact a student’s academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.
It is essential for colleges and universities to create a supportive environment for students struggling with PTSD. This can include providing access to mental health resources such as counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric care. Additionally, raising awareness about PTSD among students and faculty can help reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek help. The authors concluded that “these findings suggest the need for targeted, trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies by mental health professionals and policy makers to support the affected student population.”
