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ADD/ADHD Medications and Evaluation Policy

Talk to Student Health Services about the symptoms, medications, behavior-changing therapies and educational options available to assist with the management of ADD and ADHD.

  • Poor school/work performance and poor sustained attention to reading, paperwork or lectures
  • Easily bored by tedious materials
  • Poor organization and planning
  • Procrastinating until deadlines are imminent
  • Impulsive decision-making
  • Restlessness, trouble staying in confined spaces
  • Cannot work well independently
  • Poor listening skills; doesn't listen carefully to directions
  • Frequent impulsive job changes
  • Poor academic grades despite solid intellectual ability
  • Often late for work/appointments
  • Frequently misplaces things
  • Trouble thinking clearly, using sound judgement, especially under stress
  • Impulsive comments to others

On their own, none of the symptoms of ADD are abnormal. Most people feel scattered, unfocused or distracted at times. Furthermore, the symptoms of ADD/ADHD are easy to confuse with other problems, including learning disabilities and emotional issues, that require totally different treatments. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD must be present in multiple settings, such as occupational, academic and social spheres. If the symptoms only appear in one environment, it is unlikely that ADD/ADHD is to blame. Once thought to be exclusively a disorder of childhood, longitudinal follow-up studies have shown that ADHD persists into adulthood in about 50% of cases.

That's why it's important to see a mental health specialist to determine if the symptoms really point to ADD/ADHD.

ADHD is diagnosed after thorough testing, usually by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Students should check with their insurance carrier to determine which providers would be covered for an evaluation.

If you would like to consult KU Medical Center Student Health Services for medication treatment options, please review "Treatment of ADD/ADHD at KUMC Student Health Services" section for documentation requirements.

In order for a provider at KU Medical Center Student Health Services to initiate a treatment plan or continue an existing plan for medication, the student must:

  1. Schedule an appointment with one of the KU Medical Center Student Health physicians.
  2. Provide documentation of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation within the last four years that includes:
    • Copies of at least two diagnostic tests done as part of an adult evaluation (examples: WAISIII, Woodcock-Johnson III Cognitive and Achievement Test, Connor AD/HD Rating Scale, Connors Continuous Performance Test),
    • Identification of the current functional issues,
    • A diagnostic statement, with clinical diagnosis, from the mental health professional who administered the testing,
    • A recommendation by the evaluator for a prescription as part of the treatment plan.

Please note that any significant event that would affect diagnosis/function since the last evaluation will necessitate updated testing.

If you have questions about accommodations, please contact Academic Accommodations Services.

Office of Academic and Student Affairs

University of Kansas Medical Center
Student Health Services
Student Center, 1012
Mailstop 4044
Kansas City, KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-1941