Office of Disability Services
Psychological/Psychiatric Disabilities (PPD)
Psychological/Psychiatric Disabilities Defined
- Psychological Disablity
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Other forms of psychosis
Adult Behavioral Symptoms
- Prominent and persistent disturbance in mood (could be seasonal and cyclical)
- Distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- Changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and psychomotor activity
- Decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts
- Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
- Panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, restlessness
Possible Causes
- General medical condition
- Genetic component
- Substance induced
Treatment
- Medication Therapy
- Psychotherapy or other forms of counseling
Some Typical Accommodations
- Extended time on tests
- Testing in a distraction reduced environment
- Use of tape recorders in class
- Tutorial labs
- Counseling Center support
© 2006 - art courtesy M. Wesley Waugh