A recent study shows anxiety is on the rise among college students across the country -- which is a statistic Penn State psychological services said holds true for Penn State students.

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America's (ADAA) study, which polled universities and liberal arts colleges, found that nearly all schools reported an increase in the use of the mental health services in the last three years, Jerilyn Ross, ADAA president and CEO, wrote in an e-mail message.

The rise of anxiety among college students is because of a number of factors, Ross said.

"Meeting academic demands, getting along with roommates, dealing with new social pressures, managing finances and a host of other challenges can cause stress and anxiety in college students," Ross then added.

Ross added that while most anxiety felt by college students is healthy, there are students who might be experiencing something far more serious.

"Much of this stress and anxiety is normal and even healthy. However, some students will experience chronic, relentless anxiety that may be a sign of an anxiety disorder, a real, serious and treatable medical condition," she said.

Penn State students are no exception, and increases of anxiety on the Penn State campus have been noticed, said Mary Ann Knapp, clinical social worker for the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

"In general, over time, the number of students we see has increased," Knapp said, referring to the number of students that go to CAPS.

Knapp wrote in an e-mail that some Penn State students experience more severe anxiety disorders that require them to seek professional help.

"Typically 20 percent of those we see clinically (roughly 500 students) are diagnosed with an ongoing anxiety disorder (not just an adjustment reaction to a recent stressor)," she wrote.

Knapp added that many students' cases seen by CAPS are adjustment-related and normal with the hectic life of Penn State students.

While some Penn State students said they do feel anxiety, they added it is nothing a support group of friends cannot handle.

Mike Bloom (junior-civil engineering) said that he has experienced anxiety but took care of his problems by relying on his "network of friends."

Bill Rickus (junior-biobehavioral health) said he thought about going to CAPS for help but instead turned to his friends for support and said they were an important tool to deal with his anxiety.

Knapp added that for those students who are seeking help, the CAPS program is the place for students to go.

"In many ways CAPS services in general are about prevention and treatment of anxiety issues, depression and other mental health and life situations requiring attention," she said.