ADHD Medication Policy

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that begins to develop before age 12 and interferes with functioning or development. There are three types of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type: Most symptoms involve difficulty with attention.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Most symptoms involve difficulty with hyperactivity and impulsivity.
• Combined Type: Symptoms involve a combination of difficulty with attention and difficulty with hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Psychiatric Services at the University Health Center can start treatment for ADHD or continue an existing treatment plan only for those eligible individuals who can provide CAPS with documentation that meets the requirements established by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. UHC does not prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD without the required documentation.

Individuals must provide CAPS with an assessment documenting that they meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria of the most recent DSM or ICD. Contents of the assessment must include:

• Developmental history of symptoms of ADHD, specifying the symptoms present in childhood
• Documentation of current symptoms that meet diagnostic criteria
• Documentation of both childhood and current adult behavior on rating scales of ADHD symptoms using appropriate age norms
• Corroboration of current symptoms across multiple settings by independent observers with knowledge of the individual’s recent or current functioning
• Clear evidence and documentation of limitations impacting developmentally appropriate academic, social, or occupational functioning when compared to the general population
• All other environmental, psychosocial, and psychiatric or medical disorders that may contribute to inattention are differentially evaluated, documented, and considered in the differential diagnosis
• Documentation of ADHD diagnosis
   

The assessment must reflect an ADHD diagnosis based on a battery of psychological, neuropsychological, or psychoeducational tests, and it must specify the instruments and methods used and the assessment results.

Any academic accommodation recommendations made must be supported by a rationale based on the individual’s impairments and limitations.

The assessment must be completed by an appropriately licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and include identifying information (names, signatures, titles, credentials, license numbers), and contact information.

The assessment must include the date(s) of evaluation and have been completed within the past 3 years in order to be considered current.

Students who provide an assessment that does not meet the above criteria have several options. A CAPS clinician or care manager can help you choose the best option(s) for you. These options may include:

• Meeting with a clinician to discuss behavioral and other non-medication interventions for improving organization and academic performance.
• Referral to other appropriate campus resources such as the Division of Academic Enhancement or the Disability Resource Center.
• Referral to an on-campus resource for evaluation:
  • The Regents’ Center for Learning Disorders, Milledge Hall, 706-542-4589
  • The Center for Counseling and Personal Evaluation, Aderhold Hall, 706-542-8508
• Referral to an outside psychologist or psychiatrist for evaluation.