1. Develop a case study presentation for a client with Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) between the ages of 8 and 17. Describe the symptoms that meet the
criteria for the diagnosis, and include pertinent medical, educational, and family
history.
Case Study: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Subject: John, a 13-year-old male who was referred for evaluation of symptoms consistent
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A persistent pattern of inattention
and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity which interferes with functioning.
Medical History: John was born at full-term, without any complications. He has no history
of medical problems or surgeries. His immunizations are up-to-date.
Educational History: John is a 7th grader and attends a public middle school. He has
struggled in school since the beginning of his education. He has a hard time paying
attention in class, frequently interrupts others, and is disorganized. He often loses or forgets
homework assignments. John's grades have been slipping and he has been suspended
several times for disruptive behavior.
Family History: John's parents are married and live in a suburban area. His father works as
a software engineer, and his mother is a stay-at-home mom. They have two other children,
an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. The family has a history of ADHD and
substance abuse.
Symptoms: John's symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD according to the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). He exhibits six or more
symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least 6
months, with symptoms starting before the age of 12. John frequently forgets or loses
things, has trouble paying attention in school, is disorganized, has difficulty following
instructions, and is easily distracted. He also fidgets or squirms, talks excessively, has
trouble waiting his turn, and is impulsive.
2. Based on the case, identify pharmacologic and/or nonpharmacologic treatments
you would recommend. Provide support from a scholarly source to support your
, decision.
Treatment Recommendations: Pharmacologic treatments: A stimulant medication such as
methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) can be effective in treating ADHD
symptoms. These medications have been shown to improve attention, reduce hyperactivity,
and decrease impulsivity in children with ADHD.
Nonpharmacologic treatments: Nonpharmacologic treatments can be an effective option
for children with ADHD. Behavioral therapy, parent training, and school interventions can be
effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown
to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children. CBT involves teaching children
coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and how to regulate their behavior.
Supporting Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a
combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for children with ADHD.
According to the AAP, nonpharmacologic treatments, such as behavioral therapy and parent
training, should be tried first before starting medication. If medication is needed, the AAP
recommends using the lowest effective dose and monitoring for side effects. (AAP, 2011)
3. Describe a minimum of two referrals you would make for the client and include
your rationale.
Referral Recommendations:
1. Pediatrician or Family Doctor: John would benefit from a referral to his pediatrician
or family doctor for an assessment and potential medication management. The
physician can monitor his response to the medication and make any necessary
adjustments to his treatment plan.
2. Psychologist or Mental Health Professional: John would also benefit from a
referral to a psychologist or mental health professional for behavioral therapy and
parent training. The therapist can work with John and his parents to develop and
implement behavior management strategies and to teach coping skills.
Rationale: The combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments can be
effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. A pediatrician or family doctor can monitor John's
disorder (ADHD) between the ages of 8 and 17. Describe the symptoms that meet the
criteria for the diagnosis, and include pertinent medical, educational, and family
history.
Case Study: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Subject: John, a 13-year-old male who was referred for evaluation of symptoms consistent
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A persistent pattern of inattention
and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity which interferes with functioning.
Medical History: John was born at full-term, without any complications. He has no history
of medical problems or surgeries. His immunizations are up-to-date.
Educational History: John is a 7th grader and attends a public middle school. He has
struggled in school since the beginning of his education. He has a hard time paying
attention in class, frequently interrupts others, and is disorganized. He often loses or forgets
homework assignments. John's grades have been slipping and he has been suspended
several times for disruptive behavior.
Family History: John's parents are married and live in a suburban area. His father works as
a software engineer, and his mother is a stay-at-home mom. They have two other children,
an 11-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. The family has a history of ADHD and
substance abuse.
Symptoms: John's symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD according to the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). He exhibits six or more
symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least 6
months, with symptoms starting before the age of 12. John frequently forgets or loses
things, has trouble paying attention in school, is disorganized, has difficulty following
instructions, and is easily distracted. He also fidgets or squirms, talks excessively, has
trouble waiting his turn, and is impulsive.
2. Based on the case, identify pharmacologic and/or nonpharmacologic treatments
you would recommend. Provide support from a scholarly source to support your
, decision.
Treatment Recommendations: Pharmacologic treatments: A stimulant medication such as
methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) can be effective in treating ADHD
symptoms. These medications have been shown to improve attention, reduce hyperactivity,
and decrease impulsivity in children with ADHD.
Nonpharmacologic treatments: Nonpharmacologic treatments can be an effective option
for children with ADHD. Behavioral therapy, parent training, and school interventions can be
effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown
to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children. CBT involves teaching children
coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and how to regulate their behavior.
Supporting Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a
combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for children with ADHD.
According to the AAP, nonpharmacologic treatments, such as behavioral therapy and parent
training, should be tried first before starting medication. If medication is needed, the AAP
recommends using the lowest effective dose and monitoring for side effects. (AAP, 2011)
3. Describe a minimum of two referrals you would make for the client and include
your rationale.
Referral Recommendations:
1. Pediatrician or Family Doctor: John would benefit from a referral to his pediatrician
or family doctor for an assessment and potential medication management. The
physician can monitor his response to the medication and make any necessary
adjustments to his treatment plan.
2. Psychologist or Mental Health Professional: John would also benefit from a
referral to a psychologist or mental health professional for behavioral therapy and
parent training. The therapist can work with John and his parents to develop and
implement behavior management strategies and to teach coping skills.
Rationale: The combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments can be
effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. A pediatrician or family doctor can monitor John's
