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Problems With Concentration and Focusing

On a large university campus, many competing activities may result in difficulties with academic achievement. Natural developmental stages that most college students go through also occasionally contribute to attention and concentration problems. These tasks may include learning to manage relationship issues and identity issues. At times psychological and social difficulties that may fit a diagnosis of depression, mood swings, anxiety, or eating disorders may interfere with daily effectiveness. Sleep and appetite or eating behavior may also change, complicating the ability to achieve academic success. Alcohol and/or other drug use may impact concentration and academic performance. All of these causes are reviewed when the student presents to CAPS with concentration problems.

These possible contributors to concentration and attention difficulties may be addressed in CAPS and other UGA departments. Often times, recommendations for addressing these issues include group or individual counseling. Time management and university survival classes (see Academic Enhancement) may also be recommended. Medication may be an additional treatment option. At times, when it is a lifelong difficulty and the above issues are not a significant part of the problem, formal psychological testing may be recommended.

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Assessments and Evaluations
Assessments and evaluations are available at CAPS for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

If you are interested in being assessed for AD/HD, the first step is to call CAPS for a telephone screening. During the telephone screening a CAPS clinician will obtain preliminary information about your symptoms and history. Following the telephone screening you will be scheduled to meet with a member of the assessment team for an initial consultation evaluation so that additional information may be gathered. You will be asked to complete intake paperwork prior to the initial consultation. During the initial consultation the clinician will discuss resources available at CAPS and on campus.

The actual assessment requires 2-4 appointments with our clinical staff. The first two appointments are generally dedicated to acquiring a detailed developmental and psychological history and can take up to 3 hours or more. It is very important that you be substance free for the testing appointment(s): no stimulants (caffeine, nicotine or stimulant medication) that day, not more than one alcoholic drink the night before, a good night's sleep, and no illicit drugs for at least one month prior, particularly marijuana.

The assessment includes formal psychological testing, interview and observation, history, and an interview with a parent or parents.

Please contact CAPS at 706-542-2273 for current information regarding the cost of the assessment. Insurance can be billed if requested.

An assessment is needed if no formal, thorough assessment has ever been done (even if the student has been receiving medication from a family doctor) or if the formal assessment that was done is more than 3 years old. In the latter case, please bring any copies of former assessments with you.

Psychiatric Assessment for Medication
CAPS has psychiatrists who can prescribe appropriate medications for AD/HD. The student will need to complete a phone screening first and will need to bring all pertinent records regarding previous testing and treatment to the IAC appointment. CAPS policy on prescribing medication for AD/HD requires students to have completed a formal, thorough assessment within the past three years. The therapist conducting your IAC will help you decide if further testing or any other service is required and will help you make an appointment with the appropriate psychiatrist.

Academic Accommodations
The UGA Disability Resource Center (Clarke Howell Hall) can assist a student with a documented disability to receive appropriate services as recommended. They require that the formal AD/HD assessment be less than 3 years old.