Sst1 Task 2

We see the child perform poorly in school. We suspect a child as a bad child. But until we identify and assess the inappropriate behavior we will never have an answer. ADHD Institute (2016) states, “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition or International Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders -10th revision classification system outline steps of assessment before regular testing on symptoms by a physician. Hallowell (2009) states, “The validity of the test is observation and consideration of difficulties that comes or happens with ADD such as withdrawal, drug use, or family drama. WebMD (2015) states, “Diagnosing of ADHD starts after identifying the symptoms everyday for 6 months or more on children and adults and if the difficulty of the behavior happens anywhere than the individual should be evaluated as follow: 1. Primarily Inattentive: 2. Primarily Hyperactive: 3. Combined subtype. Additionally, a full physical exam, vision and hearing tests are recommended. Also, a noninvasive scan that measures theta and beta brain waves called the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA). It has approved by the Food and Drug Administration with recommendation of a complete medical and psychological exam for age 6 to 17. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines (2011) cited by Center for Disease Control (2016) states the use of behavior therapy is highly recommended before any medication

This can be from the medication side-effect or how it react in the child body(CDC.gov).These behavior could cause confusion, like of understanding, and not knowing who they are. The situation can get of hand, if the parents let it go too far without checking it out. The problem needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Especially, if there is an attitude changes that can be caused from the medication (CDC.gov). ADHD or ADD is found in the family genetics, also. Which plays, an important factor, and cause the medication to react in brain injury, premature infant delivery and with birth weight, after the hidden danger of ADHD medication. These factors, can give the general public a reason not to use these medication that is effecting all ages of children that are related to ADHD or ADD and from the medication that is given to the children for ADHD or ADD (APA.org).

Young children do not have the ability to adequately how they are feeling and the symptoms they are experiencing, so a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is based on symptoms described by parents and teachers.

Is the overdiagnosis of ADHD a product of societal pressure or a looser standard of qualification for medical assistance/diagnosis for ADHD? There is no question on whether or not ADHD is being diagnosed more often. In 2011 there were 6.4 million ADHD diagnoses, and many people are looking for answers of why this is happening. Immediately, most people point to the higher stresses from our advancing society and the pressure from other parents and people to the major increase. Although some believe the stressful environment created by our advancing society is at the core of the increase in ADHD diagnoses, the lack of proper procedure when handing out psychostimulants is the more prevalent issue regarding ADHD overdiagnosis. This can be attributed to the age of the child within their grade, a lack of understanding in adults.

Every parent who has a child suffering from a psychological disorder that affects their behavior dreads a new school year. This means new teachers not aware of the disorder, more parent-teacher conferences, and more pressure to medicate the child. The most common and well known behavioral disorders are Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The very first step in deciding if prescription medication is the right choice for a child is knowing with certainty that the child has a real medical condition. Studies show that close to one in five children are misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) (Sherlock, Tracy). If it is suspected that a child suffers from ADD it is important that the child receive extensive testing to make certain the diagnosis is accurate. There are several tests that can be administered by a specialist including: a general physical, a neurological exam, a comprehensive interview with the child and others in a position of care for the child, an observation of the child’s everyday activities, and psychological tests to measure IQ and social and

"Hyperactivity with ADD, without treatment, often results in failure, rejection by peers and family turmoil, all of which can lead to developmental delays and psychiatric complications stemming from low self-esteem and frustration" (Jerry M. Weiner, M.D., Pres. Amer. Academy of Ch. & Adol. Psychiatry)

When looking into medicating a teen or child is important to look at the look term effects or if they really need medication. Overmedicating teens and children for ADD and ADHD has become a serious problem around the world. Including worsening drug abuse, negative side effects and the parent pressure to medicate.

Not being able to keep still, talking out of turn, and not being able to resist temptation are many traits of a child under the age of twelve; also, the symptoms of a child diagnosed with ADHD. Though there isn’t a test to determine whether or not a child has ADHD many psychiatrists are quick to incline that the child may have this behavioral disorder even though they could just be acting like children. Not only are psychiatrists too quick to diagnose they’re also quick to prescribe medications that have high risks of causing behavioral changes and disruption of the chemical balance within the brain. Children under the age of twelve should never be diagnosed and/or prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity

alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin, ADD needs to be carefully watched for. Increasing numbers of premature infants are found to have the disorder as well. A psychiatrist or clinical or school psychologist usually makes a diagnosis. In order to do this, physicians, psychologists and educators conduct an evaluation that includes a health and developmental history, medical evaluation, psychological and educational assessment, behavior rating scales completed by the parents and teacher, and possibly a speech and language evaluation (Miller 25).

Children with ADHD are being medicated unnecessarily. The problem is there are no biological tests for the disorder, and it cannot be revealed through a blood test. ADHD should be the last resort for a diagnosis, but it is often the first choice. In many cases a child who is disruptive in class or

The treatment response for ADHD I feel needs to be completely diagnosed before giving a child some sort of medication. I know there are different forms of medication to treat ADHD, but I am someone who only takes medication when it is completely needed. I feel that if you starting giving a child medication because you “think” they have ADHD are not a good idea. I do not like that fact that people are giving heavy medication to these children, when their brains are no where near developed. The doctor may give the child ADHD medication and they may be on it for 20 years, and then realize later in life that they depended on ADHD medication and do not know how to function without it. Also, to me it is a scary thought that a child’s brain has not fully developed and you are giving them medication for something that the parent and the doctor are convinced the child has. I have seen many times in the media that a child was misdiagnosed with autism

Sadly, a lot of many children who may have ADHD/ADD are not given the services they are supposed to receive, and parents are many of times don’t know what type of assistance

The child who is showing some symptoms of ADHD should get the proper diagnoses and the parents should bring their child to a specialist. First of all, the child would be seen by a pediatrician or a child psychologist. The specialist would gather information from everyone, the school, caregivers or parents. The health care provider will look over the information and compare it to the regular children of the same age group.

Teacher referrals are normally where the school system gets the first idea that a child may have an ADD or AD/HD problem. Parents are not good judges due to their day-to-day contact with their children and are less likely to recognize the symptoms. Parents will normally sit down with the teachers and try to figure out what could work to help the child get back on track. A determination can be made at this time as to whether the family would like for their child to see the school psychologist. The school psychologist can, in a sit down meeting with the child, usually determine within five minutes whether the child has ADD or AD/HD. Once the diagnosis has been made that the child has the disorder, the psychologist will administer some tests to determine where the child has the most difficulties. These tests can include but are not limited to hearing, reading, and comprehension. A lot of children with ADD or AD/HD will have problems with auditory processing because they cannot pay attention long enough to get the information clearly. A clear example of this is, if I give my son three directions such as, take the trash out, feed the dog and close the door, all it would take is one distraction, and some of these tasks may not be completed. Some