A literature review of studies of depression and treatment outcomes among U.S. college students since 1990

Objective: The mental health of U.S. college students is a growing public health concern. Particularly alarming is the prevalence of depression and risk of suicide in this cohort. Methods: A literature review of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases was conducted in order to identify and evaluate depression and treatment outcomes among U.S. college students since 1990. Results: Four studies documenting depression and treatment outcomes among U.S. college students were identified and reviewed. Conclusions: Although research on the depression and treatment outcomes among U.S. college students exists, it is scarce and inconsistent, with varying inclusion and exclusion criteria and measurement of depression severity and its treatment. Future work needs to focus on the development of reasonable benchmarks of depression and treatment outcomes in the college population and the integration of such outcome data into college mental health practice.