A number of studies connect depression as a factor for students with poor academic performance. However, new research suggests there might be more to this story. Experts say depression, in itself, is not responsible for problems at school. Instead, they suggest that behavioral issues, alongside depression, contribute to poor performance.
Lead study author and associate dean at Indiana University, Jane D. McLeod, Ph.D, advises that behavioral issues including lack of focus, drug or alcohol use, and delinquent behaviors are all linked with lower academic achievement. However, depression alone, cautions Dr. McLeod in an article outlined by PsychCentral, has no direct ties with poor academia.
While investigators acknowledge that some depressed youth struggle in the classroom, they attest it is most likely the result of other factors such as poor attention span, partaking in deviant activities, or substance abuse.
McLeod cites evidence from a study of thousands of youth she and others conducted from data collected by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The research team compared high school GPAs with the highest level of education attained by the students 15 years later in order to ascertain academic achievement.
Students experiencing depression without behavioral issues had higher GPAs than their peers who did have behavior problems. Likewise, adolescents who engaged in delinquent activities or had histories of substance use were shown to pursue lesser degrees, but there was no such correlation amongst those solely struggling with depression.
McLeod says this affirms there are other factors involved besides depression that are negatively impacting adolescents’ educational potential, a discovery she says underscores the importance of embracing inclusion in our approach to classroom discipline.
Students with behavioral problems increase their chances of success in school if undiagnosed or untreated mental health problems, like chronic depression, are addressed. Mental health professionals at Family Guidance Center can help, with a walk-in assessment as a first step.