A variety of psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorder can sometimes be severe enough to qualify as a disability under the ADA. Psychiatric disabilities are caused by many different factors including genetics and traumatic life experiences. Though this kind of disability is usually “invisible” (not obvious to outsiders), those with psychiatric disabilities suffer from a range of symptoms that can impact their educational pursuits.
A student with a psychiatric condition may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, processing new information, sleeping, eating, being in groups, communicating, or organizing their lives. Certain events such as increased stress or even a specific topic brought up in class can trigger symptoms, even when a person has been stable for some time. In addition, side effects from medication can add to symptoms.
Students with psychiatric disabilities are intellectually capable. However, they may need extensions on assignments, frequent breaks from group activities, or leaves of absence for intermittent treatment since symptoms can be persistent and severe, or sudden and debilitating. Students attempting to cope with the rigors of the college experience while managing such disorders need a good deal of understanding and encouragement. A feeling of safety and support in their learning environment is crucial to their success. However, aberrant or disruptive behavior that interferes with the educational process for all is, of course, unacceptable and not part of any accommodation.
Helpful Strategies for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
- Before starting school consider the academic issues you might have experienced previously and identify the strategies that have helped you.
- Determine whether you need to initiate disability accommodations with the Academic & Disabilities Support Office.
- Consider whether you wish to go to school full time. If less than full time attendance would be more realistic, see if your program has a three-quarter time option.
- Decide how you will disclose your disability and to whom. Since psychiatric disabilities are invisible, faculty or staff may not know the adjustments you need.
- Check in with your medical professional or counselor to discuss your goals, as well as possible side effects from medications that might affect cognition or create fatigue.
- Arrange for an effective network of support such as mental health professionals, friends, family, colleagues, fellow students, and the Academic & Disabilities Support Office.
- Decide if you need an emergency plan. Do you have something in place in case severe symptoms are triggered during the residency or the semester?
- Do you need to have a single room rather than a double so you have a place to decompress?
- Write up a stress management plan for the semester that includes exercise, eating well, and plenty of time for rest.
Considerations When Working With Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
- Students with psychiatric disabilities need to feel safe and encouraged. Frequent clear communication about expectations is paramount.
- Student may need to take breaks from group activities.
- If you are presenting on a controversial topic that might trigger the student, talk with the student privately ahead of time to see if they need to opt out of the presentation.
- Student may need extra time or time away from the program if symptoms become severe. This does not mean that they don’t want to or can’t complete the program.
- Student might benefit from help in breaking larger tasks into smaller steps with clear due dates so as not to become overwhelmed.
- Student may have difficulty communicating effectively in group settings. If this becomes apparent, it might be helpful to talk with the student about what strategies might facilitate communication.
- Student might benefit from repeat instructions and checking to be sure expectations are understood.
- If student has difficulty concentrating, audio books might be a helpful option, as well as recording lectures and having access to lecture notes.
Selected Resources on Psychiatric Disabilities:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
National Institute of Mental Health
