University students more at risk of depression than non-students – study

The research challenges earlier work suggesting the mental health of students is the same as or better than their peers. Photograph: Chris Ison/PA

University students are more at risk of depression and anxiety than their peers who go straight into work, according to a study, suggesting mental health may deteriorate due to the financial strain of higher education.

The research is the first to find evidence of slightly higher levels of depression and anxiety among students, and challenges earlier work suggesting that the mental health of students is the same as or better than their peers.