University Health Services has seen a jump in the number of students with attention disorders in recent years as the wider availability of treatments enables more affected students to come to Princeton.
"There has been an increase in the recognition of the disorders, and we have seen more cases now than ever before," said Dr. Susan Packer, associate director of counseling and psychological services.
Medications such as Ritalin, Straterra and Adderall allow students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and an associated disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to focus for longer periods of time.
Nationally, 1.6 to 2 million people have been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.
A slew of thorny issues arise with more ADD and ADHD students coming to Princeton, such as whether affected students should receive extra time on tests as they often do in high school.
Packer leads a team in health services to help students who need remediation for their disorder or need help with psychological issues.
Casey Riley '08, who was diagnosed with ADD this summer, said she thinks the University hasn't made enough accomodations for her condition.
"I did qualify for time and half on the SATs," Riley said, explaining she received 50 percent more time on the test because a counselor had diagnosed her as a slow reader.
"My report that qualified me for extra time on the SAT's doesn't [at Princeton]," she said.
Extra time
Associate Dean of the College Claire Fowler, who is in charge of the policies regarding learning disabilities and the process for requesting more time on exams, said students must have a compelling reason to get extra time on exams. A case of ADD is not enough, she said.
"It is not sufficient to simply present a diagnosis of ADD," Fowler said. "The student needs to demonstrate that there is a functional disability arising from that disorder," Fowler said.
Application process
The process of applying for added exam time can be complex.
University rules about learning disabilities require documentation of the disorder from a certified learning specialist, psychologist or physician. The diagnosis must be supported by results of a series of standardized tests.
A letter by the evaluator regarding the student's academic history must also be included.
Privacy concerns dominate the ADD discussion.
The admissions office doesn't find out if prospective applicants have an attention disorder. Students need not inform the University in any way if they don't wish to.
"For reasons of privacy, ADD students do not have to disclose their condition to anyone," Fowler said.
Many challenges
Dr. Russell Barkley, of the Medical University of South Carolina, said the biggest challenges that college students with the disorder face include time management, organization, punctuality and deadlines, as well as test taking and excessive socializing and partying.
"Dealing with these is not easy, though medication is often the most effective route," he said, "followed by making yourself accountable to others for goals and assignments that need to get done, interspersing short work and exercise periods, and watching the use of alcohol or other drugs."
Read More
Second annual TigerTies event draws over 600 students and community members
Sena ChangTigerTies celebrated its second anniversary, drawing in larger numbers than the previous year and embracing cultural connections among undergraduate students.
TigerTies celebrated its second anniversary, drawing in larger numbers than the previous year and embracing cultural connections among undergraduate students.
USG celebrates 50th anniversary with former student leaders
Oliver WuOver 60 students, alumni, and administrators joined the celebration at Prospect House, with several former student leaders speaking at the event.
Over 60 students, alumni, and administrators joined the celebration at Prospect House, with several former student leaders speaking at the event.
New policy barring most recording set to take effect Jan. 1, other details remain unclear
Nikoloz InashviliThere is still limited information about how the policy will be implemented, particularly regarding its enforcement and the scope of recording permissions. The University has said it will prepare future guidance.
There is still limited information about how the policy will be implemented, particularly regarding its enforcement and the scope of recording permissions. The University has said it will prepare future guidance.