Identify differences and similarities you understand regarding the diagnosis of ADHD

You are a counselor in a child and adolescent center. Your boss asks you to see a mother with her 3-year-old son. The mother brings her son to your office, and they are hostile toward each other. She states that he is hyperactive and has ADHD. She is demanding medication for him so she can manage his behavior. You request a session with her son for play therapy. During the 30 minutes of play therapy, he behaves appropriately with the toys in the room with no signs or symptoms of hyperactivity. However, when returned to the room with the mother, he exhibits hyperactivity and argumentative behavior.

Given the aforementioned case, what is your common sense telling you in this situation? You do not need to know the theory for this assignment.

Address the following:

Identify differences and similarities you understand regarding the diagnosis of ADHD.

Consider the possible medication, short-term benefits, and long-term side effects for a 3-year-old male.

Discuss how you would use what you know about family relationships to build a bridge in your meetings with this particular family.

How can you gain a better understanding of the family situation so you can assist in achieving a more harmonious relationship?

ANSWER

Based on the information provided, it is possible that the child’s behavior is influenced by his relationship with his mother and the environment he is in. It is common for children to exhibit different behaviors in different settings, and it is important to consider the context in which the behavior is occurring.

Regarding the diagnosis of ADHD, it is important to note that ADHD is a complex condition that requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional. A diagnosis of ADHD should be based on multiple sources of information, including a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, teacher reports, and parent reports. It is also important to consider other potential causes of the child’s behavior, such as trauma or other mental health conditions.

As for medication, it is important to carefully consider the potential short-term benefits and long-term side effects of medication for a child of this age. Stimulant medications, which are commonly used to treat ADHD, can have beneficial effects on attention and hyperactivity in the short term. However, long-term use of stimulants can have side effects, including weight loss, sleep problems, and irritability. It is important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of medication before making a decision.

In terms of building a bridge with this particular family, it may be helpful to focus on the family’s strengths and goals, and to work with them to develop strategies for managing the child’s behavior in a supportive and nurturing environment. It may also be helpful to explore the family’s concerns and perceptions about the child’s behavior, and to provide education and support to help them understand and manage the child’s symptoms.

To gain a better understanding of the family situation, it may be helpful to gather additional information from other sources, such as the child’s teachers and other family members. It may also be helpful to observe the child in different settings, such as at home and at school, to get a more comprehensive picture of his behavior. Additionally, it may be useful to conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s mental health and developmental history to identify any potential underlying causes of his behavior.