Columbia University Health Services

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a neurobiological condition that may affect a person’s behavior and learning abilities. AD/HD will have an impact on a person’s ability to achieve her/his academic and professional potential. Symptoms of this disorder may include, but are not limited to mood swings, a high level of distractibility, difficulty concentrating, procrastination, inattentiveness, impulsivity, maintaining or shifting focus, time-management, and disorganization. There are three subtypes that accompany a diagnosis of AD/HD, which provide a description of the main attribute associated with the individual’s disorder. The subtypes are: AD/HD Predominantly Combined Type, AD/HD Predominantly Inattentive Type (also known as ADD), and AD/HD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. A diagnosis of AD/HD has no correlation to level of intelligence. Indeed, people with AD/HD, including students here at Columbia University are often intellectually above average.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services, thereby cultivating a campus culture that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of students. For more information to go the Office of Disability Services.