Obstinate

I went in to be evaluated, and they concluded I had an Anxiety Disorder, specifically OCD, Social Anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety. This is all on a paper, but it's mostly for recommending meds (which my mom didn't approve of). First of all, any Celexa users? Does it do anything really bad?

And should I speak to the school nurse about it,to have it on file? I'd like to get accomodations on the SATs and some of the other big tests. What else can they do in high schools to accomodate?

emeraldkity4

do you have a IEP or 504 at your school? without it I would say it would be pretty difficult if not impossible to get accommodations on SAsT

Obstinate

How do I go about getting that? Do I have to go through my doctor?

emeraldkity4

No- but you would bring your documentation from your doctor along with their suggestions for accommodations and ask for an evaluation from the school.


Celexa can be very helpful and it is non addicting as far as I know.

Cardinal Fang

In order to get accommodations from the College Board, one must present documentation of a diagnosed disability, PLUS an explanation of how the disability affects schoolwork and test-taking, with pyschological testing to support that explanation.

It's not enough to get a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder. One has to present documentation from a professional (probably an educational psychologist) demonstrating that the Anxiety Disorder slows one down in test taking.

liketotally

Hey Obstinate,

It sounds like you need to consult with a psychologist a little more. You say your mom doesn't agree with you taking medication, and maybe you don't need it in your situation, but there's a chance medication could help. I suggest you try to see a psychologist on a regular basis (every couple of weeks, maybe?) for a while so that you can talk about things and figure out what kind of help you need. Then, if you agree that you need medication, maybe your psychologist can help you talk to your mom about getting it.

This is all assuming you have medical insurance and can afford to see a psychologist regularly -- if that's not the case, feel free to PM me (if you want, of course; I realize I'm some girl you don't know and you might not want to) and I can try to give you some other ideas.

Either way, good luck!

foolishpleasure

"It's not enough to get a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder. One has to present documentation from a professional (probably an educational psychologist) demonstrating that the Anxiety Disorder slows one down in test taking."

This is true, but a formal 504 or IEP is not necessary. Many private schools offer accommodations (College Board for does ask whether/what accommodations the student receives at school) informally or on an ad hoc basis (ie: w/o 504 or IEP) as long as the student/family provides psych assessment or other documentation indicating LD and that accommodations are necessary.

bessie

Your guidance counselor or school psychologist will be able to tell you what you need in order to apply for accommodations.