Definitions and Characteristics

Psychological

College students may have a history of psychological/emotional problems or these may develop during their college careers. Some students are aware of their diagnoses and make plans to continue with treatment through medical and psychological services once they arrive on campus. Many others, however, are not aware of their needs for counseling or therapy. It is not unusual for teachers to note the need for psychological support even before the student does based on their responses to periods of stress, their attendance in class and observed interactions with peers. Some students have eating patterns that become disordered, progressively worsening as their regular support structures from home are no longer available.

Depression is a psychological disorder that is found frequently among college-aged students. Symptoms differ from individual to individual but commonly include, apathy, disturbed sleeping patterns, disrupted relations with peers, poor or excessive appetite, disinterest in normal activities and impaired concentration. Some depressed individuals are extremely sensitive and cry frequently; others show little emotion and experience no pleasure from activities that others find satisfying.

Eating disorders are common on college campuses. These include anorexia nervosa, a restriction of caloric intake below the starvation threshold, and bulimia, a disorder characterized by eating and purging. Body image is distorted in both these disorders and individuals often engage in excessive and compulsive physical activities. Because thinness is a socially valued body type, these individuals are often praised for their unhealthy eating behaviors, thereby reinforcing the pattern of restriction. Both of these conditions are life threatening.

Anxiety and panic disorders are also frequently observed in young adults, especially those who have high expectations for themselves who are placed in competitive situations. For many students, coming to college is the first real exercise in independence and self-care. Although they may have looked with great anticipation towards leaving home, feelings of insecurity and a lack of positive coping skills may lead to anxiety, either generalized or specific to certain situations. Within a competitive college environment, many new stressors may emerge, especially for those students who are accustomed to the ease with which they have learned in the past. Anxiety disorders are characterized by reduced ability to concentrate, withdrawal, crying, feelings of fear, and physical complaints, such as racing heart and sweating. Individuals with panic disorders have similar complaints but moreso. They may feel a shortness of breath or hyperventilation, lightheadedness and complete inability to make a plan and follow through on it. Medications, relaxation techniques, meditation, counseling and other forms of therapy are often used with these conditions.

All untreated emotional disabilities prevent individuals from participating in their educational experiences in ways that are effective and efficient. Energy that could be used to read or listen or write is drained towards the essential emotional needs of the individual to feel safe and receive comfort. It is hard, however, to discriminate between typical "low motivation, poor planning and ineffective study habits" and a diagnosable psychological disability. The individuals most in need, as determined by their ability (or inability) to cope with the demands of the curriculum and make good decisions for themselves, should be referred for evaluations and consultation with a professional.

Often students will approach faculty who are accessible to talk about problems they are experiencing. In most cases, faculty can determine the boundary between an academic and a personal problem. This boundary is important to observe! In cases of clear emotional distress or doubt about the situation, a referral to the counseling center is the most appropriate course of action. The faculty person can call directly to the Counseling Center to discuss the referral concerns .