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Friday, February 27, 2009 Honsann38 asks

Q: Question about the rights of college students who have Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder

I have a question about the rights of college students who have Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder.  I've been in a relationship for 5 1/2 years with a wonderful man who suffers from this terrible condition.  He is working to obtain a degree however his SAD became much worse over the last 6 months.  He failed all 4 classes he took last semester and needs to withdraw from the classes he is currently enrolled in because every time he attempt to go to class he has a panic attack.  He is starting counseling and has a meeting with the dean of student affairs next week, that I will attend with him for support.  I was wondering if anyone has any experience with have to take a break from University due this illness and what his rights are.  I'm afraid his financial aid will be revoked and we will owe the University ~20k which is just not possible for us to pay back at the moment.  Anything anyone could tell me would be a big help, thank you!

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Answers (1)
Eileen Bailey, Health Guide
2/28/09 10:09am

Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.

 

People with disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are certain requirements to be eligible under this law. You can read more about  ADA and Anxiety Disorders here. This article deals with how it is used in employment situations but a college would also need to abide by these regulations.

 

In addition, I also found a booklet written by St. Petersburg College addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Pages 18/19 of this booklet specifically address psychological disabilities as well as indicate what students and professors can do to address the situation.

 

I hope this information helps.

 

Please let me know how it turns out.

 

Eileen

 

 

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By Honsann38— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 02/27/09