Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological disorder that causes difficulties with sustained focus and concentration. Difficulty with focusing, getting organized and completing work is common for college students at times of increased stress. ADHD is a disorder that begins in childhood and is not simply a response to stress. If your problems have only started recently, it is unlikely they are caused by ADHD. ADHD symptoms can include failing to listen to instructions, having difficulty organizing one’s life, fidgeting, talking too much, leaving projects and homework unfinished, and having trouble attending to details. These symptoms cause impairment in multiple areas of one’s life beginning in elementary school and do not just affect academics.
Distinguishing between ADHD, other disorders that impair focus, and normal problems with concentration requires a thorough and thoughtful assessment that evaluates academic, social and work impairment throughout one’s life.
Assessment
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and would like to transfer treatment to CAPS, or have never been diagnosed, but would like to be evaluated for ADHD, please note the following instructions to help facilitate your appointment with us.
**Please note: CAPS does not prescribe refills on stimulant medications prior to the completion of the evaluation. You are encouraged to continue obtaining medication from your previous physician until care is arranged at CAPS.
An intake for an ADHD assessment at CAPS can be scheduled during normal business hours through the triage system. During your phone triage appointment, the clinician will review the following CAPS ADHD protocol with you.
If you are interested in being evaluated and treated by a community provider, rather than at CAPS, the triage clinician can help connect with you a provider in the area.
The following information needs to be provided to CAPS before an ADHD evaluation is scheduled. It is not required before making a triage appointment.
- If you carry the diagnosis of ADHD, please send testing results or documentation of former evaluation/treatment. An outside evaluation, treatment summary and/or neuropsychiatric assessment from the referring clinician will facilitate your evaluation at CAPS. However, alone it will not be considered diagnostic, even if the report contains a diagnosis of ADHD. The report should include previous treatment attempts and your current medication regimen.
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Consent to release information BETWEEN CAPS and:
a) Parent or other adult who knew you well as a child (grandparent, teacher, aunt/uncle, coach)
b) Adult that knows you well currently (roommate, partner, family member, close friend)
c) Prior provider (prescriber and/or evaluator)
d) Office of Accessible Education (OAE)
e) Neuropsychology Service at Stanford Medical Center - Parent/childhood observer questionnaire is to be filled out by an adult who has known you well since the age of 7 years, ideally a parent. (Note: this form is not required if you have provided documentation of neuropsychological testing before the age of 11.) A persistent pattern of signs and symptoms as a child is essential for a diagnosis of adult ADHD. You may have a hard time remembering whether your problems date back to childhood. Parents are therefore helpful in providing important evidence of early impairment.
- Adult observer questionnaire is to be filled out by an adult who knows you currently (roommate, partner, family member, close friend). This adult will be providing evidence of current impairment in two or more settings.
- Self Questionnaire
- Additional information is encouraged but not required such as: school records or academic testing reports.
The above information can be faxed to CAPS at 650-725-2887, attention: Jerlaine Ewing or hand delivered to the front desk at CAPS.
Once the above information has been collected, you will be scheduled for an ADHD intake with a CAPS clinician. A comprehensive diagnostic interview will be performed to review the evidence for ADHD and consider whether your symptoms may be caused or worsened by something other than ADHD. This may take more than one visit. Several mental and physical health conditions can mimic or coexist with ADHD, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, learning and language deficits, seizure disorder, thyroid disorder, lead poisoning and low blood sugar. Alcohol, marijuana and other drug abuse can also cause ADHD-like symptoms and/or coexist with ADHD.
If, after the above evaluation is complete, there is still a lack of clarity in the diagnosis, or if there is concern for other etiologies of your symptoms, you may be referred for a neuropsychological evaluation or a psycho-educational assessment. These assessments can be helpful in identifying other potential causes for your symptoms and for demonstrating the significant impact of your impairments on academics. Psychological testing is helpful in identifying cognitive disabilities that may compound the problem and complicate management. This process can take several weeks.
Care and Treatment
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made or confirmed, the decision of whether or not to medicate and what kind of medication to use will be made by you and your psychiatrist. At CAPS we choose the appropriate medication with the least potential for abuse.
Optimal treatment of ADHD generally includes a combination of medication, behavioral therapy and coaching or skills training. If you are interested in seeking behavioral therapy, your clinician at CAPS can help you find a trained therapist. If you are an undergraduate interested in coaching or skills training, the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stanford provides academic skills coaching. Of note, the diagnosis of ADHD is not required to utilize the resources at the Center for Teaching and Learning.
The Schwab Learning Center provides students with ADHD a wide array of state-of-the-art learning resources.
Accommodations
Sometimes accommodations can be helpful for student with ADHD to work more efficiently and productively. Students interested in academic or other accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessible Education (OAE). The OAE serves Stanford students with disabilities, including ADHD, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
