Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Generalized Anxiety Disorders Get Help for Anxiety and Panic Attacks Support ADAA's efforts to help find professionals for anxiety disorders, panic attack, OCD, PTSA, phobias and social anxiety Search for solutions to anxiety disorders Anxiety and Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Social Phobia



Demand Rising for Mental Health
Services on Campus

As College Responses Roll in, Parents and Students Urged
to Weigh Mental Health Services Offered

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

Anxiety Disorders on Campus: The Growing Need for College Mental Health Services, available here, is an analysis of counseling and mental health services available at America's top colleges and universities.

Anxiety disorders are a unique group of illnesses that fill people's lives with persistent, excessive, and unreasonable anxiety, worry, and fear. They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias. Untreated anxiety disorders can interfere significantly in a student's personal life and academic success as well as increase the risk of 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 and CEO Jerilyn Ross, MA, 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 who are already taking psychiatric medications, increased anxiety after 9/11, and heightened awareness of mental health issues.

While the ADAA survey 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.

The new report, released today as part of ADAA's 27th Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, contains information on the following topics:

  • counseling services
  • facilities for mental health services on campus
  • crisis resources, including suicide hotlines
  • staffing resources and employment trends
  • mental health education for faculty, staff, and students

ADAA offers the following tips for parents:

  • When helping your child select a college or university, the consider the availability of mental health services, particularly if your child has a preexisting mental health problem. Research the types and range of services offered at the schools before your child makes a choice..
  • Speak to college representatives about the options available to students who develop mental health problems after the school year begins.
  • Be sure your child has sufficient information about available campus mental health services.
  • If you suspect your child is having a mental health problem, be prepared to give specific information about available campus help and resources.
  • If problems or concerns arise, encourage your child to seek help as soon as possible. Be patient if your child does not seek help immediately, but don't give up.

About the Survey
ADAA conducted interviews with 83 schools, which were selected using the U.S. News & World Report Guide 2007 that identified the top 50 national universities and top 50 liberal arts colleges. Data were collected by reviewing each school's website and following up with the counseling centers by telephone with a formal survey. ADAA gathered information about school type, setting, and size; specifics of counseling services, such as type of services offered, size of counseling staff, cost to students, and percentage of students using the centers. Schools interviewed received a copy of their responses for verification of accuracy. Most interviews were conducted with directors or assistant directors at the counseling centers.

About the ADAA
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the early diagnosis, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders through education and research. ADAA offers free educational information and resources about anxiety disorders, local treatment providers, self-help groups, self-tests, clinical trials, and more. ADAA promotes the message that anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable.

 




healthnewsdigest.com