ADHD Evaluation and Treatment Policies and Procedures
The WWU Student Health Center provides a screening evaluation as well as medication management for students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Those students who believe they may have ADHD or who are referred by concerned advisors, instructors, or family are evaluated based on their documented history of attentional and academic problems in the past, current issues, and other medical and psychiatric symptoms.
To schedule a screening appointment for ADHD, call 650-3400.
Prior to coming to the initial appointment, the student should download and complete the ADHD Patient Self Evaluation, Parent Evaluation of Student, and online ADHD Screening questionnaire. The student also may come by the Student Health Center to pick up the ADHD patient packet if they are unable to download these forms.
It is possible other co-existing psychiatric conditions may require further evaluation or psycho-educational testing referral off-campus, at the expense of the student. The presence of these other conditions or learning disabilities could greatly alter the choice of treatment for the student.
The Student Health Center provides medication management for students who have previously been diagnosed with ADHD and wish to transfer their care. Prior to an initial appointment being scheduled with the Student Health Center, records of the prior psychological testing as well as records from the current prescribing physician need to be received by the Student Health Center, preferably faxed to 360-650-3883. It is also required that any student transferring ADHD care to the Student Health Center fill out the ADHD Patient Self Evaluation, Parent Evaluation of Student, and online ADHD Screening questionnaire.
Stimulant Medication Management for ADHD or other conditions
The Student Health Center seeks to provide very best medical services by working with each student to find the best dose of the right medication that is going to treat his or her ADHD-related symptoms or other approved conditions requiring stimulant treatment. We take a holistic approach to treating this disorder because we realize that ADHD does not just affect the academic areas of a person’s life but affects almost every aspect of his or her life.
In order to provide the very best service, we may need to see each new patient with ADHD on a regular schedule initially to monitor both the positive effects and any potential adverse effects of medication. This also provides an opportunity for us to educate the student about this condition.
Stimulant Medication Policies
Because ADHD is most commonly treated with medications that are legally controlled substances, we have policies that regulate the prescribing of these medications. The purpose of these policies is to ensure the safe and legal use of these prescriptions, reflecting the laws that govern these prescriptions.
- The student must see a physician to obtain any controlled substance medication for ADD/ADHD and have appropriate screening for cardiac conditions or family history of cardiac conditions that may be a contraindication to stimulant prescription.
- Students will not possess a controlled substance without a legitimate prescription, or give or sell these medications to others. This is not only illegal, but also potentially very dangerous.
- By law, controlled substances prescriptions must be written and cannot be called to a pharmacy. Under most circumstances, the Student Health Center will only write for a 30 day supply at a time with no refills, and no renewal of the prescription is allowed earlier than 25 days from the previous prescription date.
- Students who do not keep their follow-up appointments will not be able to receive a renewed prescription until he or she makes a follow-up appointment.
- There is a “no replacement” policy for lost/stolen/damaged prescriptions. There are no exceptions to this policy.
- Monthly, or more frequent visits may be required until the dosage is stabilized at which time less frequent in-person visits may be allowed, but at least one in-person visit per quarter is required.
- A urine drug screen obtained only with the consent of the patient may be required at the start of controlled substance therapy, and as required at the discretion of the physician. The cost of the drug screen will be billed to the student.
- Students receiving stimulant prescriptions will be required to sign a contract outlining Student Health Center policies concerning such prescriptions annually.
- Violation of the Student Health Center policies concerning controlled substances may result in termination of prescription of those substances.
Required forms, questionnaires and contracts - please download, read, complete and/or sign before your appointment
1) Online ADHD Screening Questionnaire
(When it asks you the "Reason for Visit" choose "ADHD Screening"
