[Psychological distress, need for advice and utilization of professional help among students]

As a consequence of earlier investigations, which have demonstrated that 20-25% of the students report psychological distress, the knowledge of the need and the utilization of help resulting from psychological or social problems have to be improved. Data from 366 students were collected to determine the need for advice, the utilization of help and the occurrence of psychological symptoms (SCL-27) and interpersonal problems (IIP-C). Comparisons between students and the total population as well as between students with and without need for advice were made. 23,3% of the persons surveyed, expressed the wish to receive professional help. In comparison to the total population, the students reported more psychological symptoms and consulted less frequently a general practitioner or a gynecologist. Students with need for advice experienced more psychological distress. To encourage more of the distressed students to utilize professional help, the access to professional help should be facilitated.