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DOCUMENTATION OF A PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY

Students, faculty, and staff with a psychiatric disability who are requesting accommodations or services through the Office of Disability Services are required to provide appropriate documentation of their disability from a licensed professional. These guidelines describe the necessary components for acceptable documentation.

Criteria:


	Diagnosis: A psychiatric disability should meet the criteria for a DSM-IV diagnosis, excluding Adjustment Disorders and Other Conditions that May Be A Focus of Clinical Attention (V Codes). Most typical diagnoses would include:

		Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders Major Affective Disorders: Clinical Depression, Bipolar, or Major Affective Disorder Chronic Eating Disorders Anxiety Disorders: ADD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Dissociate Disorders Mental Disorders secondary to a medical condition Personality Disorders Substance abuse or alcoholism

	Severity: Documentation must include information on how the psychiatric disorder and/or related medications and treatments interfere or limit any major life activity including participation in courses, programs, services, or activities of the college.

Information to be provided by diagnostician:

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	A brief description of the condition.

	Assessment of the severity of current symptoms and chronicity of the disability.

	A brief assessment of the history/current status of the disability, including medications and treatments.

	What accommodations have been provided in the past?

	What accommodations are recommended that address specific fuctional limitations?

	Additional information that may be useful in providing appropriate and effective accommodations at the post-secondary level.