There is still a stigma attached to mental health difficulties and many students choose not to declare them. However, a lot of students experience periods of stress and depression. Coping strategies and reaction to this varies enormously from individual to individual. In addition some students have behavioural difficulties, extreme phobias, delusions etc. In addition medication can make students drowsy and cause them difficulty in concentrating in taught classes and private study.
Some students have a long term medical condition which has an effect on their studies.
This could include ME, HIV and cystic fibrosis amongst other conditions. Many of these conditions will not be visible. It is impossible to give information about all of them and the effects they could have on study. Students who have low energy levels may find it difficult to concentrate for long periods which will affect both work within lectures and classes and their private study. Others may incur periods of ill health when they are unable to attend lectures or may be absent to attend regular hospital appointments.