Treating ADHD: Addressing the Needs of College Students

College students with undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit varying symptoms and may have trouble in class, be involved in driving accidents, be late to appointments, be disruptive, and abuse alcohol. Clinicians and others in a position to recognize and identify behaviors indicative of ADHD should either complete a thorough assessment for ADHD, including disorders that commonly co-occur with or are mistaken for the illness, or refer students to someone who can. For students with a comprehensive evaluation who are diagnosed with ADHD, special accommodations are available on campus. Clinicians can provide students with several strategies to manage their disorder and improve their chances of having a successful academic career.