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Though many students use Adderall nonmedically, especially in college, many people develop ADHD in childhood and continue to need a prescription as young adults, said Joel Nigg, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University.
ADHD starts in childhood. Children can't sit still in class, focus or stay organized.
"It's that kind of thing for them," Nigg said. "Typically the behavior in terms of impulsivity and hyperactivity is that it's so severe they can't function in the classroom."
Nigg said it's a dramatic difference once a child who has ADHD is medicated.
Nigg said it is rare for ADHD to be diagnosed in college. If college-aged students think they may have ADHD and need a prescription, it's because their ADHD was missed in childhood, or they have a different learning disorder. If this is the case the student should be evaluated.
According to Paul Myers, director of Health Services, if this is the case the Health Center can evaluate and diagnose a student. They can also prescribe drugs like Adderall.
But Myers said the challenge can be determining if a student is struggling in school because of ADHD or if there is something else affecting their ability to learn.
"If it's ambiguous at all, we will refer to a specialist," he said. "When is it a disorder? There's a big gray zone."
However, he said it's also easy to tell when someone is seriously struggling because of ADHD.
"The vast majority have a long, documented history of ADD or ADHD," he said. "You see the anguish."
-Laura Frazier
