Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

The Prevalence of ADHD among undergraduate students at Belmont University

Publication Date

Fall 12-10-2023

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Department

Public Health, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Dr. Laurie Gavilo-Lane

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

ADHD Research Paper Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, known as ADHD, is a common highly inheritable neurodevelopmental disorder in children that can continue into adulthood; people with ADHD may experience impulsive behaviors, trouble paying attention, and hyperactivity (CDC, 2022). Experiencing a lower quality of life, students with ADHD are more likely to have depression and anxiety and overall lower levels of dissatisfaction (Kwon et. al., 2018). Generally, there is a lack of data concerning college-aged people with ADHD. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of ADHD on Belmont University’s campus, and to identify commonalities among Belmont students with ADHD. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted and participants were provided with a 25-question mixed methods survey posing a variety of multiple-choice, short answer, and Likert scale questions assessing the aims of the study: 1) to evaluate the effects of ADHD on behavior and functionality, 2) determine if prescribed ADHD medication improves symptoms, and 3) assess attitudes and perceptions of ADHD. Findings indicated there was a correlation between students clinically diagnosed with ADHD having comorbid conditions, most prominently anxiety and depression. There were no significant findings of medication negatively affecting students or improving GPA scores and minimal difference in responses among clinically and self-diagnosed ADHD students. Further research should focus on females with ADHD and continue to evaluate college-aged individuals with ADHD.

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