Diagnosing Children and Adolescents
Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Inattentive Type
In essence, ADHD symptoms could be grouped into either hyperactivity and impulsiveness or inattentiveness. In the present case, the symptoms Jamel presents are consistent with the latter.
It is important to note that Jamel meets the criteria for the diagnosis above on the basis of DSM-5 criteria for ADHD. To begin with, the boy’s mother points out that to get him to do anything, she has to yell and repeat instructions. In addition to appearing as if not to listen when directly spoken to, children with ADHD – inattention type routinely fail to follow instructions (Centers for Disease and Prevention – CDC, 2017). Secondly, Jamel’s teachers report that he has difficulties focusing on a single activity for a period exceeding two or three minutes. Children with ADHD – inattention type often have “trouble holding attention on tasks…” (CDC, 2017). Next, Jamel regularly forgets his school supplies. As CDC points out, children with ADHD – inattention type are “often forgetful in daily activities.”
Differential Diagnosis: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Like is the case in ADHD, children having ODD tend to have difficulty concentrating on assigned tasks....
In addition to this cognitive symptom, the two conditions also exhibit several similar behavioral symptoms such as refusal to follow rules and behavior that could be deemed as deliberate disobedience. However, unlike ADHD, children having ODD often exhibit repeated and blatant/deliberate disobedience and often engage in actions meant to annoy or harm others.
In seeking to treat Jamel, I would make use of several interventions – i.e. psychological and behavioral interventions, as well as educational and medication interventions. The involvement of family, caregivers, and teachers would be of great relevance in seeking to further enhance treatment outcomes. For instance, in addition breaking down undertakings into ‘bite-size’ tasks, they should ensure that instructions to Jamel are given in an easy to understand and clear format. Further, in an attempt to help Jamel stay focused, some sense of order should be instilled by embracing routine and scheduling activities. Efforts should also be made to minimize distractions, i.e. at school by ensuring that Jamel is not seated close to windows.
In the words of Foreman (2006), “ethical and legal issues are important in determining how doctors should behave in offering a diagnosis or treatment that may generate strong and unpredictable reactions from children, their families, or…
