What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder affecting 2-8 % of college students that starts in childhood and may persist until adulthood. It can manifest as difficulty paying attention, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of these symptoms. Untreated ADHD can lead to poor academic outcomes as well as difficulties with relationships. An evaluation with a mental health provider or medical provider along with neuropsychological testing can help you determine if you have ADHD. Therapy, coaching, academic accommodations, and if needed, medication can help students with ADHD perform better in school.
For more information on ADHD: National Institute for Mental Health
How Can I Get Academic Accommodations for ADHD?
You can ask your therapist or psychiatric provider to give you a letter supporting accommodations. Submit the letter to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and meet with a DRC counselor to discuss which accommodations will be best for your academic success.
How Can I Get a Prescription for ADHD Medication at SHCC Psychiatry?
We require the following steps prior to making an appointment with a psychiatric provider for treatment of ADHD:
- Schedule an appointment with SHCC Psychiatry by calling 352-392-1161
- Provide copies of any prior psychological testing for ADHD, if applicable
- Provide copies of medical records, documenting prior ADHD treatment, if applicable
- Obtain a urine drug screen ordered by your medical provider(see section below on How/Where to Get a Urine Drug Screen)
- Obtain a physical exam by a primary care provider or an EKG, if requested by the psychiatric provider
How/Where Can I Get Tested for ADHD?
On campus: Counseling and Wellness Center 352-392-1575
UF Health: Clinical and Health Psychology 352- 265-0294
Other Community Resources: UF Disability Resource Center
How/Where Can I Get A Urine Drug Screen?
Here are options for obtaining a urine drug screen (UDS, 10 panel test).
- Check with the Student Health Center to see if your insurance will cover a urine drug screen (UDS) at their location.
- The following clinic offers the best price for UDS if you are uninsured:
CareSpot: 720 SW 2nd Ave, Suite 160A; Phone: 352-240-8000
Let the receptionist know you are there for a UDS, 10-panel test. You will need to sign a Release of Information form with the lab. This will then allow them to fax us the results of your test to 352-392-8452. You may check with the Student Health Center to see if your insurance will cover a UDS at their location.
Policy for Ongoing ADHD Treatment at SHCC Psychiatry
We require students who are being treated for ADHD in our clinic to:
- Come in for appointments on a regular basis and have vital signs (blood pressure, pulse) checked periodically.
- Obtain periodic drug screens, if requested by the provider.
- Keep prescriptions and medications for ADHD in a safe and secure place.
- Use the medication only as prescribed and not share it with other people.
- Avoid non-prescribed drug use or alcohol misuse.
Times When Medication Is Not the Best Treatment for ADHD
There are times when medication for ADHD medication poses medical and psychiatric risks that exceed their benefits. At these times we will discontinue medication while recommending psychotherapy as well as continuing accommodations through the UF Disability Resource Center.
Here are some instances when medication may not be a good fit for students with ADHD:
- The student has high blood pressure or a high pulse rate, or starts having these conditions on medication
- The student has underlying medical conditions or is on medication that may contraindicate the use of ADHD medication
- The student has a psychiatric condition that medication could worsen
- The student does not follow the Policy for Ongoing ADHD Treatment at SHCC Psychiatry (see above)
Resources for ADHD
Books: Delivered from Distraction, Driven to Distraction
Websites: Children and Adolescents with ADHD (CHADD) ; Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)