Case Study: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
University Of Phoenix
Major Symptoms Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has 3 types of symptoms: problems with attention, hyperactive behavior, and excessive impulsivity (Kohn). ADHD is heritable (Kohn). The child is better able to cope with rapidly changing stimuli, but will have more difficulty focusing on things that are less interesting (Kohn). The brain is less able to focus on uninteresting tasks (Kohn). Some child-rearing parenting may be contributing to the development of ADHD (Kohn). Children with ADHD are more likely to come from single parent families, families with inexperienced parents, and families who spend less time interacting with the child (Kohn) Client’s Background David is a 16 year old high school sophomore that has severe ADHD (Kohn). David is energetic and likes girls. He constantly moves and fidgets. Elementary school teachers complained to his mother when he was younger (Kohn). He has been on and off medications most of his life (Kohn). He currently takes Wellbutrin and Ritalin (Kohn). Wellbutrin is commonly used for depression and Ritalin is used for ADHD (Kohn). David lives with his mother. He is aware that he is different and most of the time gets frustrated when he can not focus on studies (Kohn). His mother has little time to spend with him. When she asks me to complete chores he forgets (Kohn). When he is failing in class she just encourages him to accept the failing grade instead of getting him tutored (Kohn). His mother is described as belonging to a system of reinforcements that enables his unfocused behaviors (Kohn). Medication does help him to focus at school and get chores done at home. But he complains that the medication makes him hazy and non-social (Kohn).
Predisposing Factors
Observed Symptoms and Inconsistent Symptoms ADHD is a common disorder among children that deals with