The term “psychological disabilities” covers a wide range of conditions and may include (but not limited to) chronic conditions such as severe personality disorders, psychoneuroses and psychoses.
People with serious psychological disabilities have some structural and biochemical characteristics in their brains that are different from those of people who are not mentally ill. Psychological disabilities are usually, although not always, a chronic condition. It is important for those around this person to realize that this type of disability is biological and not “a matter of choice.” With appropriate treatment, the vast majority of psychological disorders are effectively cured or controlled. Treatment, which often combines medications and psychotherapy, can effectively stop acute symptoms in 80 percent of those living with schizophrenia, end the terror of phobic disorders, and halt the downward spiral in approximately 90 percent of those living with depressive disorders.
Problems related to providing educational support services to students with a history of mental illness are founded in the misconceptions and stigmas about the illness. Common myths about psychological disabilities often cause college faculty and staff to be reluctant to approach students realistically because of fears that the students are very fragile or could be violent. In reality, people with mental illness do not commit more violent crimes than the rest of the population. Although comparatively few students with psychological disabilities may react to stress by becoming agitated or even threatening, faculty who are familiar with this group of students with disabilities report that incidents of disruptive behavior by individual students can often be predicted and, therefore, prevented.
Most students with psychological disabilities never draw attention to themselves by behaving disruptively. Few, because their symptoms are more persistent and/or cyclical, may experience periods in which “holding it together” becomes more difficult. Disciplinary issues should not be confused with mental health issues. All students, including students with psychological disabilities, have the responsibility to meet the code of conduct of all students by adapting behavior to the educational environment. If disruptive behaviors persistently occur or a student code of conduct is violated, the issue should not be defined as a health issue. It should be defined as a disciplinary issue, and a referral to the Dean of Students should be made.
Servicing students with psychological disabilities on campus is a relatively new phenomenon. However, based on existing knowledge and experiences, the following suggestions have been provided. Students may need:
The Student Disability Services staff are especially helpful to students with psychological disabilities when they help the student identify and explain his or her own functional classroom limitations, such as difficulty with oral presentations, or the need to accommodate side effects of medications (e.g., thirst, itching, agitation, frequent trips to the bathroom, etc.). Students are required to make up missed assignments and tests.
Taken from Gugerty, J. and Knutsen, C. (Eds.). 2000. Serving Students with Significant Disabilities in Two-Year Colleges: Office of Disability Services * Springfield Technical Community College , Springfield , Massachusetts . Madison , WI : Center on Education and Work.