Demand Rising for Mental Health Services on Campus

College students across the country are needing and using mental health services in increasing numbers, according to a new study released March 27, 2007, by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Most schools offer a wide variety of mental health services. But many schools do not offer specific services to treat anxiety disorders, the most frequently diagnosed mental illness in children and teens, and do not have the staff to respond to the growing demand for services.

Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses that fill people's lives with persistent, excessive and unreasonable anxiety, worry and fear. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can interfere significantly in a student's personal life and academic success as well as increase an individual's risk for depression and suicide.

Being away at college is often the first opportunity for young adults to take full responsibility for their time, studies, social life, health and overall well-being. ADAA President & CEO Jerilyn Ross, M.A., LICSW, says, "Students suffering from an anxiety disorder may not recognize that they have a real, serious and treatable disorder. Colleges need to expand the scope of their services to meet the needs of students with anxiety disorders."

Most counseling centers reported recent increases in services utilized. They noted the following trends: Schools are seeing a growing number of students coming to college with a history of mental illness and already taking psychiatric medications, increased anxiety after Sept. 11, 2001, and heightened awareness of mental health issues.

Although the ADAA study showed that most schools offer crisis intervention, individual counseling and referrals to community resources, the approach is "one size fits all" and not specific to the varying needs of students. In addition, some schools limit the number of counseling sessions available at no cost, making it difficult, if not impossible for many students suffering from an anxiety disorder to get the help they need.

 

Source: Anxiety Disorders Association of America

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