Requirements for Documentation of a Psychological/Psychiatric Disability

Definition

The term “psychological/psychiatric disabilities” covers a wide range of conditions characterized by emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral dysfunction. Some of the most often diagnosed psychological disabilities will fall under the general categories of: Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic Disorders and Mood Disorders. “An estimated 22.1 percent of Americans ages 18 and older—about 1 in 5 adults—suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.” Archives of General Psychiatry, 1993. Mental disorders are diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

A diagnosis of a psychological/psychiatric disability must meet the following criteria:

I. Qualified Professional Must Conduct the Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation

Evaluator must have comprehensive training and relevant experience in differential diagnosis in the full range of psychiatric disorders
Evaluator must possess appropriate licensure/certification
May include psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, licensed counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners
Use of diagnostic terminology indicating psychological/psychiatric disabilities by someone not qualified is not acceptable

II. Testing Must Be Current

Appalachian State University requires psychological/psychiatric documentation to be current within six months of the arrival date on-campus

III. In-Depth, Comprehensive Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation Must Include:

Historical information
Educational and medical history review
Diagnostic interview
Psychological assessment, including standardized tests as determined necessary in the area of mental health

IV. Eligibility Criteria

Documentation must include a specific diagnosis based on the DSM-IV criteria:

Avoid the use of terms such as “suggests” or “is indicative of”
Rule out alternative diagnoses or explanations which mimic the reported psychiatric disability
Provide evidence of a “substantial functional limitation” to learning

V. Written Report

A comprehensive summary must be typed on official letterhead and include:
Names of assessment instruments used and recommendations based on results
Quantitative and qualitative information which supports the diagnosis
The areas of educational impact and the severity of the condition
Previous history of the disability and prognosis
Notation of medications prescribed, if any, and potential impact on learning
The impact of the disorder on the individual with particular detail regarding the academic and/or residential setting
Rationale when recommendations are made for specific accommodations
Culminate in a well written comprehensive report

VI. Presentation to the Office of Disability Services

Documentation may be submitted to the Office of Disability Services:
Along with page 11 (Voluntary Disability Disclosure Form) of the Appalachian State University Acceptance Packet received through the mail
Hand delivery to the Office of Disability Services
Student is required to initiate an appointment for an individual conference with ODS to formally meet and determine what academic accommodations, if any, are appropriate.

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