It's not unusual to have difficulty focusing on academic work. The causes are varied and include:
Concentration difficulties
- Lack of sleep
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Depression
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Medical conditions
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD Screening Testing at CAPS
CAPS requires its own in-house protocol for diagnosing and treating ADHD. Unfortunately, this service is unavailable during Summer 2023. If you are seeking an ADHD diagnosis or continuity of care started elsewhere, consult your health insurance to locate providers who are covered and available. Indiana pharmacies accept stimulant prescriptions from providers in other states, so if you have a current prescriber outside of Indiana, consider asking them if you could remain their patient. If you are currently treated by a CAPS psychiatrist, this change does not affect you.
For academic assistance please refer to these academic resources:
Other Diagnostic Materials
In addition to your screening, we will need the following items to complete your assessment:
- A questionnaire from a parent or guardian about your past and present concentration problems (you will need to sign a release so we can contact them)
- School records from kindergarten through 12th grade to assess past academic performance
- A personal interview by a CAPS Counselor
- In some cases, a urine drug screen may be requested at any point in the screening process
If your screening and interview suggest you may have ADHD or another psychiatric disorder, you will receive a follow-up appointment with a CAPS psychiatrist.
If you are already being treated for ADHD, you can transfer your care to CAPS. You will need to complete the screening process and sign a release so CAPS can obtain your previous medical records.
Student Stimulant Misuse Policy
Stimulants are Schedule-II drugs, which are controlled medications strictly regulated by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). Your physician cannot give refills for your stimulant medication unless a new prescription is written for each refill. Schedule-II medications cannot be refilled by telephone. Misuse of stimulant medications is a common and recognized concern. CAPS psychiatrists will NOT write prescriptions for lost or stolen prescriptions. Do not give your prescription medication to anyone. Keep your medication in a safe place where others do not have access.