Psychiatric

It is best to set up a private meeting with the student and state that you have noticed she becomes very anxious in response to stressful academic situations. Ask the student what support measures she would find helpful in reaching his optimal performance. Do not ask her if (or suggest that) she has a disability, but encourage her to make use of a list of campus resources (that may include the disabled student services office) that she might find appropriate.

The following functional limitations related to psychiatric disabilities may affect academic performance and may require accommodations (Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 1997).

A student with a mental illness may have one or more of the following psychiatric diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).

Depression

This is a mood disorder that can begin at any age. Major depression may be characterized by a depressed mood most of each day, a lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, and consistent feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

"Mental illness" refers to the collection of all diagnosable mental disorders causing severe disturbances in thinking, feeling, relating, and/or functional behaviors. It can result in a substantially diminished capacity to cope with daily life demands.

A mental illness is a hidden disability; it is rarely apparent to others. However, students with mental illness may experience symptoms that interfere with their educational goals and that create a "psychiatric disability." These symptoms may include yet are not limited to the following:

Background

I am a computer science major, and my name is Sean. I have a psychiatric condition called Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I was first diagnosed in grade school by a child psychiatrist. I also have some social phobias and physical tics, but the OCD is what most affects my academic work. I take medication that controls some of my symptoms.

Background

Eric is a sophomore with a psychiatric disability who lives in campus housing. He takes medication for symptoms of Schizophrenia. He experienced an increase in his disability-related symptoms during winter term.

Background

My name is Michael. During spring quarter, I experienced a depressive episode. This episode negatively impacted my concentration, short-term memory, and stamina. My grades suffered as a result.

All students, including those with disabilities, should be expected to comply with established campus behavioral standards. Consider discussing the problem with the student in private and informing them of behavioral expectations in the classroom.

Contact the campus student services unit that handles behavioral issues and/or the disability services coordinator for guidance.