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Childhood Diagnoses

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Social Problem Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD, F91.3 [313.81]), Conduct Disorder (CD, F91.1 [312.81]), and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, F90.2 [314.01]) have always been a part of our society. These DSM-V diagnoses are regularly referred to as “disrupted behavioral disorders” (DBD). These diagnoses can lead to several issues for children and their families. Children with the ODD diagnosis are seen to be angry and irritable. They can easily lose their temper and have trouble following rules (Morrison, 2014). CD is shown through children that chronically disrespect other people and rules, and who frequently start fights (Morrison, 2014). Children with ADHD are often fidgety, restless, and have trouble concentrating (Morrison, 2014). These are not issues in themselves, but only become an issue when the child needs to be still and pay attention in a classroom or home setting. These three childhood diagnoses are ones that can greatly affect the family life and education of a child. Many times children with these diagnoses are referred to mental health treatment from their teachers or school counselors (Morrison, 2014). Before a child is of …show more content…

The diagnosis of ADHD effects boys at a higher rate than it does girls. Over two times as many boys (12.1%) as girls (5.5%) are given the diagnosis of ADHD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2007). This difference in boys and girls diagnosis is because boys with ADHD are more likely to be engaged in externalizing behaviors, which often cause a child to be referred to a mental health professional, while girls with ADHD are more likely to have internalizing behaviors (Abikoff, H., et al, 2002). The average age of a child being diagnosed with ADHD depends upon the severity of the diagnosis. For mild cases the average age of diagnosis is 8, for moderate ADHD it is age 7, and for more severe cases the age is 5 (Visser, et al,

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