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Am Fam Physician. 2013;88(9):596-604

A more recent article on care of the college student is available.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.

There are approximately 20 million students in U.S. colleges and universities. Although this population is characterized as having good health, 600,000 students report some form of disability or some type of medical problem, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and chronic illnesses, among others. Physicians can enhance youth transition to an adult model of health care; the use of self-care skills checklists is one recommended method to assist with the transition. Stimulant medications are effective for treating adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but physicians should use caution when prescribing stimulants to college students because of the high rates of medication diversion in this population. Depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep problems, and eating disorders are common in college students and can significantly impact performance. Emphasis on immunization of students for influenza, meningococcus, and pertussis is necessary because of the low rates of compliance. Screening and interventions for obesity, tobacco use, and substance abuse are important because of the high prevalence of these problems in college students. Screening for alcohol abuse facilitates identification of students with problem drinking behaviors. Students who are war veterans should be monitored for suicidal ideation and posttraumatic stress disorder. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students are at risk of harassment and discrimination. Caution should be exercised when prescribing medications to college athletes to avoid violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association eligibility rules.

There are approximately 20 million full- and part-time students enrolled in American colleges and universities. Of these, 12 million are younger than 24 years, 56% are women, and 35% are minorities. Although this population is characterized as having good health, approximately 600,000 students report some form of disability or some type of medical problem, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and chronic illnesses, among others.1 Meeting the needs of the college student involves management of not only common illnesses and chronic conditions, but of behaviors and stressors that are unique to students. Common medical conditions in college students, which are treated in the same manner as in the general population, are addressed in Table 1.2

Clinical recommendationEvidence ratingReferences
A structured, coordinated health care transition from the child health care model to the adult health care model will optimize the care of college students.C3
Pharmacologic and cognitive behavior therapy demonstrate effectiveness in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults.A1216, 18
Additional time on classroom tests and examinations is commonly encouraged for persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or learning disabilities.C19
Tobacco use screening and cessation interventions are recommended for college students.B36
Alcohol use and misuse counseling is recommended for college students.B3941
ConditionFrequency (%)Comment
Acute or chronic conditions
Allergies22
  • Usual care generally applies to these conditions

  • Independent management of these conditions or self-care may be a new experience for students

Sinus infection17
Back pain12
Strep throat11
Asthma9
Urinary tract infection9
Broken bone/fracture/sprain8
Ear infection7.5
Migraine7
Bronchitis6
Disabling conditions
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder6
  • May manifest as academic problems, mood changes, sleep disruption, or substance abuse

  • May require educational accommodations

Learning disability4
  • May manifest as depression, sleep disruption, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, metabolic (thyroid) problems, or substance abuse

Psychiatric condition4
  • Depression and anxiety are common among students; a minority of students seek care

  • Suicidal ideation is common

Chronic illness (e.g., cancer, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders)3.5
  • Knowledge and self-care abilities/strategies should be assessed

Deaf/hard of hearing1.5
Partially sighted/blind1.5
Mobility/dexterity disability1
Speech or language disorder1
Other disability2

Preparing for the Transition to College

HEALTH CARE INDEPENDENCE

College students often are assuming primary responsibility for their education and health for the first time. Promoting health care independence involves more than the provision of the medical record and immunization history. A structured, coordinated health care transition plan from the child to the adult health care model will optimize the care of college students.3 Figure 1 is a health care transition planning algorithm developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American College of Physicians.3

The “sending” medical practice should ensure that the departing student has a transition plan, and that the family and student are ready for the transition. A transition checklist for clinicians is provided in Table 2. A health care skills checklist (eFigure A) is one recommended method to assess the needs of the patient and to develop goals for the transition to a health care model that expects assumption of adult responsibilities. Group visits to complete the clinical and educational activities for transitioning students could be considered to enhance counseling efficiency. “Receiving” practices should assess the developmental readiness of the student and respond accordingly, orienting the student to the clinical practice and adult health care model. Ideally, some students would benefit from direct coordination of care with the college or university student health service.

Meet privately with the patient for part of the visit
Encourage assumption of increased responsibility for his/her health care management:
Ensure that the patient understands his/her health conditions and medications
Send copies of reports, letters, and tests to the patient and his/her family
Provide anticipatory guidance:
Nutrition and fitness
Sexuality and relationships
Substance abuse and smoking
Specific health condition(s):________________
Health insurance
Sports/athletics
Functional independence
College/work plans
Functional independence and community inclusion (for patients with disabilities)
Medical decision making/privacy at age of majority (state specific)
Legal matters (e.g., advance medical directive, power of attorney)
Voting/selective service
Assess patient and family readiness for transfer to a new physician:
Initiate discussion about transfer to adult health care model
Identify possible physician
Initiate communication with the physician selected
Implement the transfer to the new practice:
Transfer medical records
Discuss nuances of care with the selected physician or clinic
Follow-up after the transfer
Assess the patient's ability to make independent decisions regarding health care, finances, and other adult concerns to determine whether there is a need for guardianship or conservatorship
Provide a pocket card of conditions and medications

Health care independence is also fostered by availability of medical self-help books and online resources, such as FamilyDoctor. org (https://familydoctor.org), and by basic medical supplies to handle common medical problems and injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides useful health resources for college students and their families at http://www.cdc.gov/family/college.

HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

Most college students (64%) have health insurance through their parents' plan, and another 13% are covered by college/university-sponsored plans. Approximately 9% are uninsured.4 Although student health insurance coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act provide certain protections to the college student, there is still diversity among available plans. It is incumbent on students to have a working knowledge of their insurance plan, coverage, and claims process. Coverage of vaccinations and contraceptives varies by plan.5 A health care insurance toolkit for young adults is available at http://www.gettingcovered.org/Toolkit.

Common Learning and Mental Health Concerns

LEARNING ISSUES

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The prevalence of ADHD among college students is estimated to be 2% to 8%6,7; 50% of students receiving accommodative services in college demonstrate ADHD.8 Students with symptoms of ADHD are at increased risk of psychosocial and substance use problems.9

Adolescents and young adults who have ADHD demonstrate less hyperactivity, but report more mental restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and academic, social, mood, and sleep problems compared with children who have ADHD.10,11 Higher demands on executive function and less direct social support from family contribute to struggling and the need for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions in students who were previously undiagnosed.

Pharmacotherapy, including amphetamines, methylphenidate (Ritalin), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and atomoxetine (Strattera), is effective in adults.1215 Stimulant medications are more effective than nonstimulant medications for treating adult ADHD.16 Few studies have examined the effectiveness of these medications specifically in college students.

Cognitive behavior therapy for ADHD focuses on teaching patients ways to adapt their thinking and behaviors to increase daily functioning. When used in conjunction with medication, cognitive behavior therapy improves functioning and ADHD symptoms in adults17; it is unknown whether these findings can be generalized to college students.

In treating ADHD, an additional concern specific to college students is stimulant misuse; 5% to 35% of college students misuse or divert their ADHD medications.18 Those with a history of substance abuse or conduct disorder may be more likely to misuse or divert their medications.18 Educating recipients of prescribed stimulants and remaining vigilant for misuse among high-risk students may be helpful.6

Learning Disabilities. About 3% of college students surveyed report having a learning disability.7 Physicians may discover learning disabilities when evaluating students for other conditions, such as depression, sleep disorders, ADHD, and thyroid disease. There is no consensus regarding how to assess learning disabilities in college students,19 and the lack of agreement on the definition of a learning disability has resulted in few evidence-based treatment strategies. Given the difficulties associated with treatment of learning disabilities, educational accommodations are important to consider. Allowing students with ADHD or learning disabilities more time on classroom tests and examinations is commonly encouraged, and physicians may be approached to write medical statements requesting this accommodation on behalf of the patient.19 However, there are limited data suggesting that such accommodations significantly improve performance. Students with learning disabilities typically have their condition comanaged by their physician, psychologists, and educators.

SELECTED MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

Physicians should be alert for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep and eating disorders, because they are highly prevalent in college students. Detailed information about treatment is widely available and does not differ from that for the general population.

Anxiety and Depression. Anxiety and depression, which can have a significant impact on academic performance, are the most common mental health problems reported by college students.7 Within the previous 12 months, 30.7% felt so depressed that it was difficult to function and 48.4% experienced overwhelming anxiety. Less than one-half of students experiencing depressive and anxiety symptoms seek care.20

Suicidal Ideation. Recent data suggest that suicide is the most common cause of death in college students.21 Suicidal ideation is reported in nearly 7% of students; about 2% report having a plan, and 0.5% report making an attempt in the previous year.22 Of those with suicidal ideation, approximately 50% seek help. Depression, low social support, parent-student conflict, affective dysregulation, and alcohol use disorders are risk factors for suicidal ideation.23 Systematic reviews conclude that there is insufficient evidence regarding psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments for suicide-related behaviors.24 Family physicians should be particularly vigilant for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in college students, and should direct students to outpatient care if there is no immediate risk. Information and resources about suicide are available at http://www.sprc.org/collegesanduniversities.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Most students report experiencing a traumatic event in their lifetime.25 Probable PTSD is most commonly associated with sexual assault.25,26 Although it has not been tested in college settings, the Primary Care PTSD Screen, a four-item screening tool, may be useful for identifying students experiencing PTSD symptoms.2729

Sleep Disorders. Studies suggest that as many as 60% of college students report poor sleep quality,30 and sleep difficulties impact academic performance in 20% of college students.7 Sleep deprivation is associated with impaired cognitive functioning, mood problems, somatic symptoms, and decreased life satisfaction, and is a risk factor for illicit substance and alcohol use and motor vehicle crashes.31 Inadequate sleep hygiene, delayed sleep phase disorder, and insomnia are the most common sleep disorders in college students.31

Eating Disorders. About 1% of surveyed college students report that an eating disorder affected their performance.7 Self-help programs, cognitive behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy have good evidence for treating bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Antidepressants may be a primary treatment for bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa should be treated in a tertiary care setting.32

Preventive Measures

IMMUNIZATIONS

College entrance physical examinations and routine visits provide opportunities for updating and administering immunizations. The 2010 National College Health Assessment indicated that only 40% of college students report receiving influenza vaccinations, and only 55% report receiving meningococcal vaccinations.4 Adequate pertussis immunization has also received national emphasis.

Current immunization schedules for adolescents and adults are provided by the AAFP (https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/immunizations/schedules.html) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/recs/index.html).33

EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

The AAFP and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have general recommendations that are applicable to college students. The focus of these recommendations is on counseling to reduce the risk-taking behaviors more common in young adults. Additionally, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines focus on lifestyle choices related to diet, exercise, and healthy relationships that are amenable to counseling and modification when intervention occurs before obesity, inactivity, and unhealthy relationships become habits.

Obesity is an epidemic on college campuses.3 During the first year of college, students gain an average of 3.9 lb (1.8 kg).34 Systematic approaches to target obesity on college campuses are fragmented and have not been reviewed. Physicians should refer students to student health centers offering weight control services.35

Tobacco use is also common in this population.4 Evidence-based recommendations for targeting tobacco use among adolescents, including tobacco use screening and cessation interventions, apply to college students.36

Alcohol use and abuse are common in college students.4 Among those who consumed alcohol, 51% reported that within the previous 12 months they experienced some negative consequence associated with their alcohol consumption.4 Two primary subsets of college students are at greatest risk of problem drinking. The first subset consists of white, male, sensation-seeking students engaged in a social environment with a high drinking norm (e.g., Greek organizations). The second subset consists of female students who were more likely to experience negative affect and respond to distress by drinking.37

Screening for alcohol abuse facilitates identification of students with problem drinking behaviors. The first three consumption items of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C ; Table 3) are recommended for identifying at-risk drinking among college students, using a cutoff score of 7 for males and 5 for females.38 Effective intervention programs increase motivation to change drinking habits, change expectations about the effects of alcohol, provide face-to-face or computer-based feedback on student-based norms of drinking behavior, emphasize cognitive behavior skills training, and offer a plan for reducing alcohol use.39,40 Ineffective programs include efforts to increase basic awareness and provide education.39,40 Mailed feedback, social marketing, and group feedback are also not effective.41 The website College Drinking–Changing the Culture (http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov) provides updated, evidence-based information about the prevention, assessment, and treatment of alcohol abuse in college settings.

QuestionsPoints
01234
How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?NeverMonthly or less2 to 4 times a month2 or 3 times a week4 or more times a week
How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?1 or 23 or 45 or 67 to 910 or more
How often do you have five or more drinks on one occasion?NeverLess than monthlyMonthlyWeeklyDaily or almost daily

Use of illicit substances can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of academic or behavioral health conditions. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance on college campuses.3 Other common illicit substances are listed in Table 4.42 Guidelines for providing drug education and administring drug testing are published by the American College Health Association (http://www.acha.org/Topics/atod.cfm).

Drug nameStreet nameFormPsychoactive effectAdverse effects
CocaineBlow, snow, king's habit, cokeSnorted, injected, smokedStimulantHypertension, tachycardia, anosmia, rhinorrhea, bloody nose, paranoia, stroke, seizures
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)Roofies, rophies, roche, Mexican valium, forget-me pillPill (taken orally or ground up and snorted)Central nervous system depressantSedation, amnesia
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)Liquid X, liquid ecstasy, soap, easy lay, Georgia home boy, grievous bodily harm, G, goopLiquid or powder (often mixed with alcohol and other beverages)Central nervous system depressantSedation, euphoria, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, amnesia
KetamineSpecial K, vitamin K, cat valiumSnorted, intramuscular injectionDissociative anestheticHallucinations, psychosis, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, tachycardia
Marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC])Pot, ganja, weed, grass, reefer, Mary Jane (MJ)Smoked (joints, water pipes, bongs, blunts), swallowedCannabinoidEuphoria, palpitations, impaired cognition, sedation, increased appetite
MethamphetamineSpeed, meth, ice, chalk, crystal, glass, crank, firePowder (orally, snorted, injected), crystals(heated and smoked)StimulantPalpitations, tachycardia, restlessness, insomnia, anorexia, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, headaches
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)Ecstasy, E, XTC, X Adam, hug, beans, clarity, lover's speed, love drugPill, tablet, or capsule, often of different colors and with cartoon-like imagesMultipleStimulant, hallucinogen, depression, anxiety, sleep problems

Table 5 lists common educational and behavioral health issues for college students, and primary care assessment tools that can be used for examination.4,6,7,20,23,25,26,2931,38,4348

IssuePrevalenceAssessment toolsComments
ADHD2% to 8%6,7 Adult ASRS (ADHD Self-Report Scale) Symptom Checklist version 1.1Educational accommodations (e.g., more time on classroom tests and examinations)
Available at http://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.php
Alcohol use and abuseApproximately 65%4 AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption items)38 One-half of students who drink alcohol binge drink Binge drinking is associated with sexual assault
Anxiety19%7 GAD-7 (seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder) scale Available at http://www.phqscreeners.comLess than one-half of students with anxiety seek care20
Depression12%7 PHQ-9 (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire)Less than one-half of students with depression seek care20
Available at http://www.phqscreeners.com
Drug abuseApproximately 21% (of any illicit drug)4 Direct questioningIncludes illicit drug use, inappropriate prescription drug use, and diversion of prescription drugs
Eating disorderLess than 1%7 SCOFF* Questionnaire44 Only 43% of patients with both bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa seek treatment for their conditions43
Learning disabilityApproximately 3%7 Multidisciplinary assessmentEducational accommodations (e.g., more time on classroom tests and examinations)
ObesityApproximately 35%4 Routine measuresPersons with obesity often develop chronic diseases
PTSD8% to 12%25,26 PC-PTSD (Primary Care PTSD Screen)29 Approximately 50% of persons with PTSD receive treatment45
Sleep disorder20% to 60%7,30 Insomnia Severity Index46 Common sleep disorders include inadequate sleep hygiene and delayed sleep phase disorder31
Suicidal ideation6% have thoughts; 1% have made an attempt7 Suicidal Behaviors QuestionnaireRisk factors for suicidal ideation include depression, low social support, parent-student conflict, affective dysregulation, and alcohol use disorders23
Tobacco use16% (overall)Routine measuresLong-term health risks associated with tobacco use include lung and heart disease and cancer
Violence4% (overall)Partner Violence Screen47 Nonstrangers commit approximately 75% of sexual assaults48
15% to 20% of females and 5% to 15% of males have been raped; 25% are injured, but only 60% were treated48

Special Populations

On college campuses, approximately 8% of students describe their sexual orientation as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or “unsure.” 7 These students report more harassment and discrimination, and have more negative perceptions of campus climates compared with heterosexual men and women.49 The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association published guidelines for caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning patients, which can be found at http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=1037&parentID=568&nodeID=1.

Students who are war veterans demonstrate high levels of suicidal ideation (46%), and many report having a plan (20%) and think that they are likely or very likely to commit suicide (approximately 4%).50 Student veterans with PTSD were more likely to report being in in a physical fight during the previous 12 months, and were more likely to participate in high-risk drinking.51 Student veterans should be monitored for suicidal ideation and PTSD. The Primary Care PTSD Screen is available at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/pages/assessments/pc-ptsd.asp.29 Organizations such as the Student Veterans of America (http://www.studentveterans.org) may help student veterans connect with resources and students with similar backgrounds. eTable A lists resources for student veterans.

ResourceDescriptionWebsite
American Council on EducationInformation on academic credit for military experiencehttp://www.acenet.edu/higher-education/topics/Pages/College-Credit-for-Military-Service.aspx
eBenefitsBenefits and services available to veteranshttps://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of AmericaProvides health, employment, education, and community resourceshttp://iava.org/
Post 9/11 GI BillEducational benefits provided by the VAhttp://www.gibill.va.gov/
Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment program locatorProvides a list of specialized programs available in each statehttp://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/ptsd_flsh.asp
Servicemembers Opportunity CollegesEducational opportunities available to service membershttp://www.soc.aascu.org/
Student Veterans of AmericaResources and support for student veterans to thrive in postsecondary education and beyondhttp://www.studentveterans.org/
Toolkit for Veteran Friendly InstitutionsInformation to help institutions of higher education build effective programs for veteran studentshttps://vetfriendlytoolkit.acenet.edu/Pages/default.aspx
ULifelineResource center with information on emotional healthhttp://www.ulifeline.org/
Vet centers*Information on helping veterans and their families with readjustment counseling and outreach serviceshttp://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
Veterans Crisis LineConnects veterans in crisis and their family/friends with qualified VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline (800-273-TALK [8255]), online chat, or texthttp://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Veterans Health AdministrationInformation on health benefits, medical centers, social services, long-term care, and morehttp://www.va.gov/health/
Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New DawnBenefits and programs offered by the VAhttp://www.oefoif.va.gov/

Student athletes are not only at higher risk of sports-related injuries, but also of loss of eligibility because of inadvertent violation of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules related to the use of supplements, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs. Current rules and standards are available at http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/ssi/policy/drug+testing+landing+page. eTable B lists banned drugs, restricted drugs, and drugs that can be used after a formal medical exception is processed with the NCAA. Athletes should be counseled to clear the use of all dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications with their team medical staff or a physician so as not to inadvertently violate NCAA rules.

DrugStatus
Anabolic agentsBanned
Antiestrogens (aromatase inhibitors)Banned
Possible medical exception: permitted if required for treatment of specific endocrinopathy
Beta2 agonistsBanned
Possible medical exception: permitted for inhalation to treat asthma
Beta blockersBanned for rifle only
CaffeineConcentrations in urine cannot be greater than 15 mcg per mL
DiureticsBanned
Possible medical exception: if no appropriate alternative available
GlucocorticoidsProhibited in competition
Possible medical exception: permitted for specific short-term indication
Hormones (growth hormone and erythropoietin)Banned
StimulantsBanned
Possible medical exception: for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment (strict enforcement)

Data Sources: Specific, evidence-based research on college students is relatively limited. We used PubMed as the primary literature search engine. Key words: college student and university student, plus the selected content (e.g., alcohol, tobacco). Key sources of data: American College Health Association, Essential Evidence, review articles in American Family Physician, federal reports on selected content, Cochrane reviews. Search dates: April 2011 through March 2012, and August 2012 through October 2012.

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