An Exploration of the Impact of Psychological Disorders on College Student Experience

Trends show increasing rates of students with psychological disorders enrolling in colleges. This population of students faces higher risks of academic difficulties and attrition and, under federal law, must be provided with services to meet their needs. There is a general lack of understanding of this population’s needs and what adequate support entails. In order for services to better support students with psychological disorders, the factors that affect these students must be understood. In an effort to explore the needs of these students, this literature review examines relevant research and discusses the experiences of students with mental illness in college. Findings are separated into six sections: student ability and interest in education, experience of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, faculty perceptions, experience receiving services, perceptions of school attitudes and experience of stigma, and the interplay of factors.