About Psychological Disabilities

“Psychiatric disabilities” is a term used to refer to a variety of conditions involving psychological, emotional, and behavioral disorders and syndromes. The terms psychological disabilities/disorders, psychiatric disabilities/disorders, and mental illness are used somewhat interchangeably. While Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are considered psychological or psychiatric disorders as well, due to the prevalence of ADD/ADHD, information is provided separately at this link.

Most psychiatric disabilities fall under one of the following three categories: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and schizophrenia. The most common of these, anxiety disorder, is characterized by fear or anxiety associated with particular objects and situations. Panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are forms of anxiety disorders. Depressive disorders are characterized by mood changes, usually involving either depression or mania (elation). With appropriate treatment, most people with depressive disorders improve substantially. Depression, bipolar, dysthymia and seasonal affective disorders are forms of depressive disorders. Schizophrenia is characterized by difficulty processing information. Symptoms include social isolation, loss of motivation, hallucinations, and delusions.

The unpredictable nature of psychiatric disabilities can make consistent school patterns difficult to maintain. Psychiatric disabilities may interfere with thinking skills, judgment, short-term memory, processing of information, concentration, reading, writing, organization and study skills, motivation, and social skills.

To be eligible for accommodations, the documentation must support the ADA definition of a disability. A psychiatric or psychological disability is a diagnosed mental illness or disorder that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A mental disorder is not necessarily a disability. Many psychological disorders can be controlled with medication and/or psychotherapy so that they do not “substantially limit” a student’s success in the academic environment.

Appropriate accommodations are determined based upon the recommendations in the documentation of the disability provided to Disability Services. These may include priority registration, reduced course load, extended time for exams, proctored testing, note taking assistance, alternate text, and special housing.

Any further assistance or accommodations needed should be discussed with :
Keith Drahn, Director of Disability Services,
Messiah College, Box 3059, 1 College Avenue, Grantham, PA 17027, Phone: (717)796-5382. 
Our offices are located in Hoffman 101 and 102.