Students with psychological disabilities present a challenge to college faculty. The student's disabilities may be hidden with little or no apparent effect on their learning. Emotional disturbances may manifest themselves in depression, anxiety and/or negative behavior ranging from indifference and recalcitrance to disruptiveness. Such conduct makes it hard to remember that these students have as little control over their disabilities as do students with physical disabilities.

The most common psychological disabilities among students is depression. The condition may be temporary, in response to inordinate pressures at school, on the job, at home or in one's social life. It may appear as apathy, disinterest, inattention, impaired concentration, irritability, or as fatigue or other physical symptoms resulting from changes in eating, sleeping or other living patterns.

Anxiety is also prevalent among students and may also be the transient reaction to stress. Mild anxiety, in fact, may promote learning and improve the student's functioning. Severe anxiety, however, may reduce concentration, distort perception and weaken the learning process.

Some students with psychological disabilities undergo treatment and take prescription medication to help control disturbing feelings, ideas and behavior. This medication might cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness, disorientation and concentration.

Please note that a psychological disability should be distinguished from disruptive behavior and other disciplinary concerns, which should be documented and addressed in the manner provided by College rules and regulations. If the behavior begins to affect others or your course of instruction, the following suggestions may be helpful.

Suggestions

Discuss inappropriate classroom behavior with the student privately, directly and forthrightly, delineating, if necessary, the limits of acceptable conduct.

In your discussion with the student, do not attempt to diagnose or treat the psychological disorder, but only the student's behavior in the course.

If you sense that discussion would not be effective, or if the student approaches you for therapeutic help, refer the student to DSPS Counseling Services or Student Health. DSPS does not provide psychotherapy; however, the DSPS counselor may provide the appropriate referrals.

If abusive or threatening behavior occurs, follow the college rules and regulations.

What Accommodations are Available?

The DSPS counselor reviews the written verification provided by the appropriate practitioner to determine the needed accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of accommodations are: extra time for tests, distraction-free environment for testing, use of a tape recorder and notetaker for classroom lectures and priority registration.