Overview
Mental Health Services (MHS) at UChicago Student Wellness supports students experiencing attention concerns or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We assess symptoms, functioning, and history, and offer suitable treatment options, including counseling, workshops, and medication management when appropriate.
The purpose of this webpage is to describe the typical course of action when a student reaches out for support regarding attention-related concerns. The procedures described here are used to determine a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. These may or may not include a psychiatric consultation and a possible course of medication. Students requesting academic accommodations should contact Student Disability Services and provide additional documentation.
Evaluation of Attention Concerns
Effective treatment of attentional problems requires accurate diagnosis as attention problems can have many causes, not just ADHD. Difficulty focusing and completing work is common for students at times of increased stress and during periods of adjustment.
Distinguishing between ADHD, other disorders that impair focus, and everyday problems with concentration requires a thorough and thoughtful assessment that requires several visits. The extra time and care it may take to get a diagnosis right increases the likelihood that the treatment we recommend will be effective. Our thorough assessment involves reviewing your history, symptoms, and relevant documents across several visits (typically 2-3).
If you have previously been diagnosed with ADHD and would like to transfer your care to Student Wellness for short-term treatment, or have never been diagnosed but would like to be evaluated for ADHD, please carefully review the instructions outlined below to help facilitate your initial appointment with us.
Please Note:
- Student Wellness does not prescribe stimulant medication or provide refills until our assessment is complete.
- Not all evaluations result in an ADHD diagnosis.
- Only those who meet ADHD criteria after assessment may be prescribed medication.
Assessment Process
- Schedule an Initial Consultation via the my.WellnessPortal or 773-834-9355.
- Bring or share documents including, but not limited to: past evaluations, neuropsychological testing, treatment records, academic transcripts, educator feedback; and a completed Attention Concerns Student Questionnaire (ACSQ), which will be provided to you by your Student Wellness provider.
- Your Student Wellness provider will guide you through each step.
After the Assessment, If ADHD is diagnosed, you may be referred for medication or additional services such as counseling or workshops. If another condition better explains your symptoms, your provider will recommend appropriate care. Some cases may need referrals for off-campus care or neuropsychological testing.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and affects the brain’s executive functions, such as attention, organization, planning, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It can make it harder to sustain focus, follow through on tasks, or manage time effectively. These difficulties typically occur across different areas of life, including academics, work, relationships, and daily routines.
Core Features
ADHD symptoms typically fall into two main clusters:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, disorganization, poor time management, forgetfulness, and losing track of materials or responsibilities.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking, acting without thinking, and difficulty waiting turns.
The intensity and impact of symptoms can vary across people and over time.
A Developmental and Contextual Perspective
Because ADHD begins early in life, its effects are often seen across multiple environments, such as home, school, work, and social situations. ADHD does not suddenly appear in adulthood. However, the challenges associated with it can become more noticeable when the structure of daily life changes and the demands for self-management increase. The transition to college often brings these existing difficulties into sharper focus rather than creating them.
Relevance for College Students
In a college setting, where structure and external support often decrease while academic and social demands increase, ADHD symptoms can present unique challenges. Counseling can help students address the following:
- Academic Performance: Difficulties with planning assignments, note-taking, studying for exams, and meeting deadlines often lead to lower grades or academic probation.
- Organization and Time Management: Students may struggle with creating and sticking to a daily routine, prioritizing tasks, and managing their workload, which can cause significant stress and procrastination.
- Emotional and Social Challenges: Students with ADHD may experience lower self-esteem, higher anxiety/depression, difficulty regulating emotions (such as sensitivity to rejection), and trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
- Risky Behaviors: There is an increased likelihood of engaging in impulsive, risky behaviors, including substance use and unsafe sexual activity.
- Accessing Support: Counseling can help students understand their diagnosis and connect with college disability services for accommodations (e.g., extended test time, note-taking assistance) and explore treatment options like medication, behavioral therapy, and life coaching.
The primary goal of counseling in this context is to provide strategies and support to manage symptoms, develop essential executive function skills, and improve overall well-being and academic success.
No. Most students who begin the attention concerns evaluation process do not have a prior diagnosis. The purpose of the process is to help clarify the cause of your symptoms, whether or not ADHD is ultimately diagnosed.
If you have documentation of a prior ADHD diagnosis or psychological evaluation, please share this with your clinician. This information will be considered during the evaluation process; we will conduct additional screening and assessment based on your current presentation.
Medication is not prescribed automatically. If a psychiatric condition such as ADHD is strongly suggested, your clinician may refer you to our psychiatry team for further evaluation. Prescribing decisions are made following a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
The timeline varies depending on individual needs. Most students complete the process over one or two appointments following the initial consultation. In some cases, additional assessment or consultation may slightly extend the process to ensure thorough evaluation.
Many students benefit from services offered at Student Wellness, such as the Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP), individual therapy, or skills based workshops, whether or not they meet criteria for ADHD. Our recommendations are always based on the specific causes of your attention concerns, whether academic, psychological, medical, or situational.
No, accommodations are coordinated separately through Student Disability Services (SDS). A diagnosis alone does not guarantee accommodations. We are happy to collaborate and provide documentation when appropriate, and this process may help inform accommodation requests.