Psychiatric Services

Psychiatric Services
Biopsychosocial Model
Psychiatric Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

In order to help meet the needs of the students, Miami University now has a psychiatrist on staff 40 hours per week. Appointments for the psychiatrist should be made well in advance as his schedule is usually booked.

There is a fee charged for each appointment. Information about fees is available at the counseling center and will be provided prior to the appointment.

Students can be referred to the psychiatrist by a counselor at the counseling center or a therapist in the community. They can also be referred by a physician at the health center or from their hometown.

All students that have seen a previous physician will be required to sign a release of information and have their records faxed. A release of information should also be signed to communicate with any outside therapist.

While being treated by the psychiatrist at the counseling center, the student should not seek psychiatric medications from other sources unless discussed with the psychiatrist. It is NEVER ethical for a student to obtain medication from a family member.

The psychiatrist often tries to provide samples to students starting on medication. Students with financial issues can enroll in a financial assistance program to receive medications free from the pharmaceutical company.

Psychiatric Disorders and the Biopsychosocial Model

Psychiatric disorders that are often seen by the psychiatrist at the counseling center include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

Here at the counseling center, the psychiatrist endorses the biopsychosocial model for treatment of psychiatric disorders.

The biopsychosocial model proposes that all psychiatric disorders have biological, psychological and social causes. A psychiatric evaluation will involve trying to understand how these different factors contribute to a student's symptoms.

It is often recommended that the student be in counseling when he or she is being prescribed medication. In addition to counseling, certain environmental changes may be recommended by the psychiatrist.

Substance abuse issues will be addressed at each session. Some students may not be prescribed medication unless they control their substance use.

Poor sleeping and eating habits are also addressed. A student may be given information on how to improve his or her sleeping habits. Some students may not be prescribed medication if they are severely underweight.

Family issues are often explored. A student may be asked to fill out a release of information to speak with his or her parents. The psychiatrist may not talk with a family member unless a student signs a release of information.

Psychiatric Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Here at the counseling center, ADHD is treated using the biopsychosocial model. Treatments can involve behavioral modification, environmental changes, and medication.

Medications used for ADHD are not approved for the enhancement of studying in people that do not meet the criteria for ADHD. Therefore, medication will not be prescribed for people who do not have ADHD.

Problems with inattention and distractibility can be caused by many factors such as substance abuse, anxiety, poor sleeping and eating habits, and poor study skills. When first diagnosed with ADHD, a student may work with a therapist on improving organizational skills, study habits, or sleep hygiene. A visit to the learning center is often recommended.

If stimulants are indicated, then students will be required to follow specific procedures. This includes a medical evaluation and monthly appointments. Lost prescriptions will not be replaced.

Tolerance from stimulants (i.e., Adderall) is often observed. This means that the medication may work great for the first couple months, but the effect from medication may decrease or stop working. It is the student's responsibility to not overuse the medication and minimize tolerance.

Lending medication to friends, borrowing medication from friends, or selling medication is ILLEGAL and considered a felony.

 

For more information regarding psychiatric services, please call the counseling center at 513-529-4634

Last Updated: 03-18-09
Contact: Jill Hollenbaugh, Administrative Assistant
(513) 529-4634