The number of students seeking help for severe psychological problems is on the rise at Iowa State.

Terry Mason, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and director of Student Counseling Services, said although the counseling center does not have a category specifically to track severe psychological problems, the numbers have increased.

“More students are coming to college with severe psychological problems and we try to help them cope while they are here,” he said.

Lenore Binen, staff psychologist for the counseling center, said there is an increase in both numbers and severity.

“We are seeing clients with more severe issues,” she said.

Studies in the last two years show that severe psychological problems are on the rise nationally as well.

A Kansas State University study released in February showed a dramatic increase in these problems within its own counseling center during the past 13 years. The KSU study found increases in 14 of 19 client problem areas.

Students who seek counseling have more severe problems than those who do not, according to the study.

“Students who are seen in counseling centers today frequently have more complex problems that include both the normal college student problems, such as difficulties in relationships and developmental issues, along with more severe problems such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and personality disorders,” the study stated.

Mason said a 2001 study by psychologist Robert Gallagher of the University of Pittsburgh showed an approximate 80 percent increase in students with severe psychological problems at schools the size of Iowa State, in the last five years.

Mason said Iowa State reflects those statistics.

Binen said severe psychological problems range from eating disorders to depression and anxiety. However, Mason said depression is the No. 1 problem.

“There has been a moderate increase in the severity of depression,” he said.

Mason said the severity falls along a spectrum.

“We see mild cases that do not keep students from functioning to cases that may need hospitalization,” he said.

Mason said eating disorders are another alarming problem the counseling center addresses.

“We’ve seen a lot of increase, which is why we developed an eating disorders program,” he said.

Binen said psychological problems, including eating disorders, are being reported more often because of both an increase in problems and a greater acceptance of counseling.

“There’s not the stigma that there used to be about seeking mental health services,” she said.

Mason said the students who seek out help from Student Counseling Services usually recognize they have a problem.

“They tend to be students who are feeling like they’ve got a problem getting in the way of functioning academically and socially,” he said.

Binen said there are several causes for the increase in severe psychological problems.

She said the stress of being a college student is one evident cause of stress.

“People of this age group experience identity development confusion and career indecision,” Binen said. “[Also,] with the possibility of war people become more vulnerable to stress which can lead to depression and anxiety.”

Binen said the information age sometimes increases problems.

“Students are more socially isolated,” she said. “They spend more time in front of the computer and less time interacting with others.”

Mason and Binen both agreed that medication could help students who have problems functioning in their day-to-day lives.

“Medication allows students to function more effectively in the college setting, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support,” Mason said.

He said students should seek help early and take advantage of Student Counseling Services by calling for a free, confidential appointment at 294-5056 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Support is also available after hours, he said.