More College Students Suffer From Mental Illness: Study

According to a recently released study, more students today are diagnosed with and receive medication for mental illness.

The Los Angeles Times reports:

In 1998, 93% of the students seeking counseling were diagnosed with one mental disorder, compared to 96% of students in 2009. The percentage of students with moderate to severe depression rose from 34% to 41% while the number of students on psychiatric medications increased from 11% to 24%.

The study, authored by Hofstra University Director of Student Counseling John C. Guthman, looked at the medical records of more than 3,000 students over a period of ten years.

The study exhibited one positive trend, as BusinessWeek reports:

Among students in counseling, the percentage who reported having had suicidal thoughts during the first two weeks of treatment had declined over the decade, from 26 percent in 1998 to just 11 percent by 2009, a drop the researcher attributed to improvements in suicide prevention treatment and outreach.

What are your thoughts? How are the mental health services at your college? Weigh in below.