I’m a University of Iowa Student and I Think I Have ADHD—Now What?
College requires a lot of executive functioning. Keeping track of assignments, getting to class, studying for exams, managing a changing schedule, remembering deadlines, and balancing work and relationships can be challenging for anyone.
But when difficulties with attention, organization, procrastination, forgetfulness, impulsivity, or time management consistently interfere with school or everyday life, you may start wondering:
Could I have ADHD?
If you’re a University of Iowa student, you have options for figuring that out.
Trulu Psychiatry is a local psychiatric practice close to campus that provides ADHD evaluations and treatment, along with treatment for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, life transitions, and other mental health concerns.
What if I go through UI Student Health?
University of Iowa Student Health is an important resource for students and provides psychiatric care for many mental health concerns.
However, ADHD has historically had a more specific process through Student Health. According to the University’s ADHD information provided to students, those who have not previously been diagnosed with ADHD are referred to a community psychologist for evaluation and psychological testing rather than receiving ADHD testing directly through Student Health.
Students who have already been diagnosed and treated for ADHD may also need to provide previous treatment records and psychological testing documentation before transferring medication management.
Because policies can change, students should check directly with UI Student Health for its current requirements.
Another option: ADHD evaluation through Trulu Psychiatry
At Trulu Psychiatry, you can schedule directly with me, Paige Hektoen, PMHNP, for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
For many patients, an ADHD evaluation can be completed clinically without automatically requiring separate psychological testing. Whether additional testing or another evaluation is appropriate depends on your individual history and clinical presentation.
An ADHD evaluation isn't simply a checklist of symptoms. We’ll look at the bigger picture, including your current concerns, childhood and academic history, functioning at school and home, medical and psychiatric history, sleep, substance use, and other factors that can affect attention and executive functioning.
That matters because difficulty concentrating doesn't always mean ADHD. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, stress, trauma, substance use, and other conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
The goal is to understand why you're struggling and what treatment makes sense for you.
What happens if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
If ADHD is diagnosed and medication is appropriate, treatment options can be discussed as part of your care at Trulu Psychiatry.
Treatment is individualized and may include medication management, education about ADHD, behavioral strategies, and recommendations for additional resources or therapy when appropriate.
You'll also have ongoing follow-up with the same provider. That continuity can be particularly helpful during college, when symptoms, schedules, academic demands, and treatment needs may change from semester to semester.
More than ADHD care
Sometimes students come in sure that ADHD is the problem and discover that something else is contributing to their symptoms. Other students have ADHD along with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition.
That's why Trulu Psychiatry provides comprehensive psychiatric care rather than focusing exclusively on ADHD.
In addition to ADHD, I work with patients experiencing:
Anxiety
Depression
Mood disorders
Stress and overwhelm
Life transitions
Other common mental health concerns
When multiple concerns are present, we can look at them together rather than treating attention difficulties in isolation.
Student Health or Trulu Psychiatry?
UI Student Health and other campus services can be valuable parts of a student's support system. I frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals and encourage students to use campus resources when they are helpful.
Trulu Psychiatry simply provides another local option for students who would like a comprehensive ADHD evaluation, ongoing psychiatric treatment, or continuity with the same psychiatric provider.
Ready to get started?
Whether you are a University of Iowa student or not, if you've been thinking, “I think I have ADHD—now what?”, scheduling an evaluation can be the first step toward getting some answers.
Appointments are available and can be scheduled directly online.
