Documentation Guidelines for Psychological Disabilities
Psychological/psychiatric disorders are mood and anxiety disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Documentation involves establishing the credibility of the diagnosis, the severity of the impairment, and the suitability of recommended accommodations.
- History of the disorder including onset, consistency, pervasiveness, and severity obtained through a structured interview
- Diagnosis using the DSM-IV TR criteria and description of presenting characteristics
- A listing and results of neuropsychological tests, rating scales, or psychological testing used to support current diagnosis
- A description of the current functional limitations presented by the student in an academic environment
- Medications (if any) currently prescribed and/or used for treatment, with potential side effects of the medication
- Recommendations for academic accommodations thought to aid the student in compensating for mood and/or anxiety disorder, and why recommended
- Signature of the qualified professional/treating physician, including professional credentials and date on which the diagnostic statement was written