APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Incidence, Recurrence and Persistence of Mental Disorders Among University Students from 13 Countries In the Who World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) Initiative
- David Ebert
Technical Unversity Munich - Esther Beierl
Technical Unversity Munich - Nan Zhao
University of Groningen - Annelieke Roest
University of Groningen
Abstract
We analyzed longitudinal WMH-ICS data (11,549 students), and estimated 12-month incidence, recurrence, and persistence of DSM-5 disorders. 16.9% of students developed a first-onset disorder; highest for PTSD:22.4%. Persistence was common—over half of those with baseline mood, anxiety, or substance-related disorders continued to meet criteria. Recurrence rates were substantial.
