AD/HD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition marked by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and distractibility. These symptoms significantly interfere in different areas of a person's life such as school, home, work or their social life. AD/HD can affect a person's ability to concentrate, stay organized, follow directions, or sit still for even short periods of time. These problems usually become apparent at a young age and most cases of AD/HD are diagnosed before the age of 18.

Everyone experiences some degree of inattention and distractibility. It is common to have more difficulty staying focused when you are under stress, overscheduled, or getting an insufficient amount of sleep. Inattention is also a common symptom of other mental health issues like depression which is why it's important to be assessed by a trained professional. There is no single diagnostic test for AD/HD, but a clinical interview and a review of family history is a starting place for people experiencing symptoms that are interfering with their daily functioning. AD/HD can be treated with medication that aids concentration and reduces restlessness along with therapy or coaching to learn coping skills and effective strategies for managing symptoms.

If you feel you are experiencing attentional or behavioral difficulties that sound similar to AD/HD, you can make an appointment at theCounseling Center or the Office of Student Academic Services. No campus resources offer AD/HD testing and they are unable to prescribe medication for AD/HD. However, these offices can provide assistance in finding a resource in the community. 

To learn more about AD/HD visit the FAQ page on the Attention Deficit Disorder Association website:ADHD FAQ's.