Q & A with Dr. Harold Pruett

Daily Bruin: What are the most prevalent psychological
problems facing students? How are these problems treated?

Harold Pruett: The main problems students have are relationship
problems and school-related pressures. Depression and anxiety
symptoms often result. Problems are treated through individual
therapy, group therapy or medication.

DB: Does a large percentage of the student body come to SPS?
Is the demand met by the size of your staff?

HP: About 8 percent of the student body comes to SPS. If we had
more staff, we would see more people and for a more extended period
of time. We’d like to see as many students as possible. We
target people through outreach and in Daily Bruin advertisements.
We’d like students to take advantage of services before they
encounter more serious difficulties. We don’t have the
resources to provide continuing services. We hope to provide
students with brief, solution-focused visits. Still, for about 20
percent of students, our 6 to 8 sessions are not enough.

DB: Where are these students referred to?

HP: UCLA requires all students to have health insurance. We
refer SHIP and GSHIP members to Behavioral Healthcare. Some
students are under their parents’ policies. But most health
insurance companies have a behavioral health component. We’ve
seen success in doing that.

DB: Why is there such a demand for services? Would increased
funding help meet this demand?

HP: I’m in an awkward position because we’re facing
budget cuts. We may have to reduce our services in a time when the
demand is getting larger. Our demand has increased at least 5
percent each year. Anxiety is just generally higher these days. At
UCLA competition is fierce. More students are working, and students
worry. They get frazzled. Students are notoriously sleep-deprived
and develop anxiety or depression symptoms as a result. Also,
seeking psychological help is less of a taboo these days.
It’s more acceptable in today’s society than in the
past.

DB: Does SPS recommend psychological drugs to
students?

HP: If we see a student with severe depression or anxiety
capable of interfering with their academic performance, then we
have a psychiatrist evaluate them. Then the psychiatrist may
recommend treatment plan that might include medication.

DB: Are more and more UCLA students taking medication? What
are the most popular types of medication being taken?

HP: There are more students coming into UCLA already on
medication. I’m guessing that at least 10 percent of the
student body takes medication, although I don’t really know.
Nationwide, family physicians are prescribing more and more
medication. As much as 20 percent of the national population may be
on medication. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are the most
common medications prescribed. SSRIs are anti-depressants such as
Prozac, Paxil and other brand names.

DB: What suggestions do you have for UCLA students? How
should students preserve their mental health?

HP: I think that there are things students can do to make their
lives easier. Student Affairs has many resources, such as the Ashe
Center, the Office of Residential Life, the Center for Women and
Men and the Center for Student Programming. Just going to one of
these offices and talking to someone could help. If not, they can
refer you to the correct office. The campus seems so big, and
students often forget about Student Affairs and their offices.
Also, students must get more sleep! They should also form
supportive friendships. Having someone to talk to can really help.
Isolation is not good.