What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

An Informational Guide for Auburn Students

What is ADHD?Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based disorder that globally affects an individual’s ability to regulate attention and focus and/or ability to delay impulsive responses to events. There are three types: a type in which predominately Inattentive symp-toms are present (this form used to be called ADD—Attention Deficit Disorder—now it is called ADHD, Inattentive Type), a type in which impulsive/hyperactive symptoms are most present, and a type with a combination of both inattention and impulsivity.

Symptoms of Predominately Inattentive Type

Fails to give close attention to details and/or makes careless mistakes

Difficulty in sustaining attention (daydreaming)

Does not listen when directly spoken to

Does not follow instructions and fails to complete activities (not due to lack of understanding)

Difficulty with organization

Avoids tasks that require prolonged mental effort (doing homework)

Loses things required for tasks (notebook for class, work uniform)

Easily distracted

Forgetful in everyday activities

Symptoms of Predominately Impulsive Type

Fidgety or restless while sitting

Leaves seat in class when inappropriate

Excessive feelings of restlessness.

Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly

Appears “on the go” or as if “driven by a motor”

Excessive talking

Blurts out answers, or difficulty thinking before speaking

Difficulty awaiting a turn

Interrupts others

Other facts about ADHD

It is a “developmental disorder” that begins to develop at a young age (by age seven, symptoms would

have developed).

Its impact is seen in all areas of functioning; not just in academics.

It affects the brain’s executive function (that is, the “CEO” of the brain that plans and organizes other brain functions)

It is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms look a lot like those in other psychiatric conditions, includ-ing: depression, anxiety, sleep problems, learning disorders and substance abuse.

Steps to Take to Receive Help or Learn MoreAt Student Counseling Services (SCS), we offer:

Academic Coaching: helping stu-dents set goals, plan, organize, and manage time given the time and effort it takes to focus.

Therapy: can be helpful in addressing concerns related to ADHD, such as low self-confidence, depression/anxiety, and social difficulties.

ADHD Screening: although we do not fully test for ADHD, our screening process can inform students if further testing is appropriate.

*Assessment referrals for are listed below.

Get a Psychoeducational Evaluation

A full assessment for ADHD will include a battery of intelligence, neurological, and academic achieve-ment tests, as well as behavioral reports (completed by the student and by parents and/or teachers) that range from childhood to current functioning.

Filling out a questionnaire at a physician’s office is not sufficient enough to diagnose ADHD.

If the student has ADHD (or any psycho-logical condition that affects academic func-tioning), file the condition with the university.

Contact: AU Office of Accessibility 1228 Haley Center 844.2096 The student may be eligible for academic accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, distraction-reduced environment for testing) to compensate for ADHD.

Medication

Because ADHD is a global condition, medication can be helpful in providing comprehensive relief. It is also because

it is such a engrossing condition, that ADHD medication is not helpful and does not provide enhancement for any condition outside of ADHD. For more information, contact the AU Medical Clinic for eligibility criteria at 844.4116.

Options for seeking a full assessmentAU Psychological Services Center 101 Cary Hall 844.4889 (sliding scale, no insurance accepted)

Clinical Psychologists, PC 248 E Glenn Ave 821.3350 (insurance accepted)

Student Counseling Services (SCS)Counseling services are free and confidential.

Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday Call 844.5123 to make an appointment

www.auburn.edu/scs E-mail: scsinfo@auburn.edu

Suite 2086 • AU Medical Clinic • 400 Lem Morrison Dr. • Auburn, AL 36849 P/ 334.844.5123 E/ scsinfo@auburn.edu

www.auburn.edu/scs

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution employer.

ADHD

No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to focus...

People are noticing that I tend to daydream while they are talking

to me...

I find myself having trouble delaying my responses to people...

I notice problems with attention in every aspect of my life, not just

school…

It’s hard for me to plan for things...

All of my life, I just never performed to a level of which I am

capable.