Systems Approach vs. Medical Approach w/ ADHD
Gregory C Hyde
University of Phoenix
Dr. Stephen Sharp
In studying the aspects of psychology different considerations and approaches that should be viewed as clinical applications for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adolescents. Within the scope of practice circumstantial causations for ADHD, have different approaches in the treatment of this disorder. No two people are the same, for this reason exploring geno-grams, biological heredity, environmental upbringing, and their own personal view on life help to distinguish a proper approach in therapy and treatment. Though some might fit in a simple structure for treatment, it can often be more complicated. The two interventions of focus for discussion in this paper will be the systems approach and the medical model approach as applicable for treatment of ADHD.
Medical Model
The medical model requires a formal diagnosis to be treated and fixed. Before 1980, there was not a formal or standardized classification system available for evaluating and better understanding individuals who might qualify for the diagnosis of ADHD, (Erk, 2002). Previously the medical diagnosis for ADHD was very vague many individuals in the population affected by the disorder were overlooked, mislabeled, or not understood. The Medical diagnosis of ADHD has developed over the years in many stages, beginning in 1917, and stands today in the most recent addition of the DSM-IV-TR.
ADHD is usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence. ADHD is characterized by prominent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination. The prevalence rate is 3% to 7% in school-age children(Erk, 2002).
Once a technical diagnosis is made, the medical model would recommend giving the child drugs to
References: Erk., Robert R. (2004). Counseling Treatment for Children and Adolescents with DSM-IV-TR disorders. Prentice Hall ISBN: 0130848131 Semrud-Clikeman M.,Pliszka S., & Liotti M. (2008). Executive Functioning in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Combined Type With and Without a Stimulant Medication History. Psychological Association 2008, Vol. 22, No. 3, 329–340 Mental Health: Medical Treatment of ADHD Retrieved October 28, 2008 http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/mental-health-adhd-treatment Behavioral Treatment for AD/HD: An Overview Retrieved October 24, 2008 http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/farticles/Rabiner.htm