Case Study on Adhd
Case Study: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Learning Team D
Week Six Learning Team Assignment
PSY/515
December 10, 2012
Naomi Hall-Byers, PhD, MPH
University of Phoenix Material
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Background Information
1. Outline the major symptoms of the disorder discussed in the case. The major symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are problems with attention; in this area the child seems to ignore detail, they are easily distracted, and they are unable to complete tasks. The next symptom is hyperactive behavior; in this area the child is restless and unable to sit quietly. The third area or symptom is called excessive impulsivity, in this stage the child will constantly interrupt, and can’t seem to wait their turn. The basic criteria for being diagnosed with this disorder is to have a licensed mental health professional start gathering information about the child once the behavior has been observed by parents and/or teachers. “A pediatrician can assess the situation, but most of the time they will refer the child to a mental health specialist with experience in disorders such as ADHD. The specialist will ask questions to see if there is excessive behavior, as well as checking the child’s records at school. A child also may be evaluated to see how he or she acts in social situations, and may be given tests of intellectual ability and academic achievement to see if he or she has a learning disability” (NIMH, 2006, pp. 6). After all this information is gathered and the child meets the criteria, he or she will then be given a diagnosis (NIMH, 2006, pp. 6).
2. Briefly describe the client’s background. David is a 16-year-old Caucasian male and is currently a high school sophomore. David is into sports, and video games that he plays at least 2 hours a day after school. David is rebellious and incredibly hyperactive. David said that he has been hyperactive for as long
Learning Team D
Week Six Learning Team Assignment
PSY/515
December 10, 2012
Naomi Hall-Byers, PhD, MPH
University of Phoenix Material
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Background Information
1. Outline the major symptoms of the disorder discussed in the case. The major symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are problems with attention; in this area the child seems to ignore detail, they are easily distracted, and they are unable to complete tasks. The next symptom is hyperactive behavior; in this area the child is restless and unable to sit quietly. The third area or symptom is called excessive impulsivity, in this stage the child will constantly interrupt, and can’t seem to wait their turn. The basic criteria for being diagnosed with this disorder is to have a licensed mental health professional start gathering information about the child once the behavior has been observed by parents and/or teachers. “A pediatrician can assess the situation, but most of the time they will refer the child to a mental health specialist with experience in disorders such as ADHD. The specialist will ask questions to see if there is excessive behavior, as well as checking the child’s records at school. A child also may be evaluated to see how he or she acts in social situations, and may be given tests of intellectual ability and academic achievement to see if he or she has a learning disability” (NIMH, 2006, pp. 6). After all this information is gathered and the child meets the criteria, he or she will then be given a diagnosis (NIMH, 2006, pp. 6).
2. Briefly describe the client’s background. David is a 16-year-old Caucasian male and is currently a high school sophomore. David is into sports, and video games that he plays at least 2 hours a day after school. David is rebellious and incredibly hyperactive. David said that he has been hyperactive for as long
References: Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2010). Abnormal Psychology (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. Comer, R.J. (2010). Abnormal Psychology, Seventh Edition. New York: Worth Publishers. Faraone, S.V., Perlis, R.H., Doyle, A.E., Smoller, J.W., Goralnick, J.J., Holmgren, M.A., Sklar, P. (2005). Molecular genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 57:1313-1323. Khan, S.A., Faraone, S.V., (2006). The genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, Oct. 8: 393-397. National Institute of Mental Health. (2006). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: NIH Publication No. 3572. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.