Psychological problems among college students: relationship with adhd and parental alcoholism

The mental health problems are growing alarmingly among the youth especially in college going students. The aim of the study was to examine the nature of self-reported psychological problems in college students and their association with childhood ADHD and family alcoholism. The sample consisted of 199 college students (93 boys and 106 girls) in the age range of 16 to 18 years. The subjects were administered a Personal Information Sheet, Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25), Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST-6) and Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Data were analyzed using t tests and correlations. Results revealed that childhood ADHD, substance use, problems with peers and aggressive behaviour were significantly higher in boys than girls. History of childhood ADHD was associated with educational problems, problems with family and peers, poor social skills and aggressive behaviour. Alcohol problems in a parent were associated with higher childhood ADHD, substance use and disturbed family relations. The study indicates the importance of screening adolescents for psychological problems so that early interventions can be planned.