University Health and Counseling Services maintains a high standard for the documentation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis, especially given the fact that other conditions can look like ADHD, that many conditions can accompany ADHD, and that there are significant side effects and the potential for abuse, misuse and/or dependence associated with stimulant medications typically used to treat ADHD.
UHCS requires that ADHD documentation is:
- up-to-date and current,
- found to clearly support an ADHD diagnosis, and
- reasonably comprehensive.
UHCS defines "reasonably comprehensive" documentation to include: appropriate psychological, neuropsychological and/or or psychoeducational testing that typically includes objective assessment of the following domains: intellectual functioning (IQ), memory, attention, executive functioning, processing speed and achievement (e.g. reading, writing, math) skills. Reasonably comprehensive documentation may also include 504 plans and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), provided that they are based on prior testing.
UHCS may consider older documentation to be sufficient if the original diagnosis was made based on reasonably comprehensive testing (as defined above) and if the student has been maintained continuously on ADHD medications. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that UHCS would not consider an ADHD diagnosis based on a clinical interview, symptom checklist, and/or trial of medications to be sufficiently comprehensive.
Documentation Review and Options
- Fax documentation to UHCS at 833.645.0872 to the attention of Dr. Michelle Romero.
- If your documentation meets the above criteria, Dr. Romero will contact you to discuss your options for treatment. These options include:
- referral to a UHCS Psychiatrist
- referral to a UHCS Primary Care provider
- referral to a psychiatrist in the community
- referral to your physician back home who has been prescribing your stimulant medication
- referral to a UHCS counselor or community counselor for behavioral management of ADHD
- If you do not have documentation or if your documentation does not meet the UHCS criteria, you will need further assessment for UHCS to prescribe ADHD medication.
- Dr. Romero will provide you with referral options for assessment in the community.
- If you decline to undergo an assessment, it is recommended that you contact your home physician to ask if s/he will continue prescribing for you while you are a student. As an alternative, referral options for psychiatrists in the community can be provided.