Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder1

Running head: SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT
Abstract
This is a signature assignment on ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The
diagnosis is done depending on the guidelines set my DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders). A case study is provided that explains that a 7-year boy is suffering from
ADHD and is brought to clinic by mother. The whole paper explains about the clinical
assessment done at the initial stage, the noting down of complains, medical and psychiatric
history along examination of mental status. This paper also discusses about the interview that
was asked by the physician for making a decision regarding the treatment. It discusses about the
length of the trails, level of dosage and duration of medication along with several potential side
effects. It discusses about the necessary tests required and the importance of educating the
parents of the patient about the disease.

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SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT
DSM diagnosis algorithm for ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a medical illness where a person losses their
ability for proper brain development, henceforth the brain activity gets affected further putting an
impact on the attention, self-control and on the ability to be still (Bowling & Nettleton, 2020).
The symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Researches have
shown that both adult as well as children can get affected with the disorder however the
symptoms begin during childhood (Bunford, Evans & Wymbs, 2015). The child faces difficulty
in schools for learning and education. The adult suffering from ADHD faces difficulty in
coordinating time, setting objectives, organisational skills and hence it affects their jobs. The aim
of this paper is to provide a synopsis of the real scenario of a patient suffering from ADHD and
discuss guideline based evidence on the DSM diagnosis that would be provided.
Overview of Initial Physical Clinical Assessment
A seven years old boy was brought to the doctor’s office as he was suffering from
academic difficulty at schools and he was also having some behavioural problems. The problem
was first noticed when he was in his pre-school and his teachers was worried about the impulsive
behaviour that he was showing imprudent aggression. The kids mother reported even at home he
is impatient and runs all day round, she had to ask him numerous time to do a particular work
such as picking up his toys. She also informed that her son, sits quietly only for few seconds and
then again turns hyperactive. His teacher even complained that he distracts his classmates, cuts
the lines and also loses homework assignments however the kid is bright. He finishes his work
quickly when given under individual supervision. The child’s mother is highly concerned as his
classmates are teasing him as he seems stupid to others. She even reported that her child is
motivated and sweet and does not talk back to the adults or teachers and never bully’s anyone.

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SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT
When his mother takes her to her office, he always jumps up and down and never listens to his
mother. Mother also confirmed that his 15 years old sibling was also hyperactive when he was of
his age, also had academic problem.
Patient History
Patient history stated that his older brother who is 15 years old now also had same kind of
symptoms. He was also impatient, hyperactive and had difficulty in learning. The boy is only
seven years old and is facing academic learning problems. However, he is a bright child and can
perform assignments properly if asked to do alone. It had been noticed that he mainly becomes
hyperactive, impatient when surrounded by crowd. Even patient’s mother informed that her kid
is bright, however she is confused with his nature in schools and for that reason this seven-year-
old boy is getting teased by his friends at school.
Mental Status Exam (MSE)
After listening to mothers complain the physician need to conduct mental state
examination (MSE). It is defined as the analogue for physical examination. The physician would
conduct a series of examination and observation. As the child is only 7 years old, the physician
need to be gentle and soft towards the patient. The question and observation reveals some
pathological or normal findings. The observations done was in context of an interview that might
vary from one patient to another. Every child has different way of thinking, cognition and
emotion; hence to paint a clear observatory picture child’s emotion and state of mind is highly
important to be noted (Kaiser, Schoemaker, Albaret & Geuze, 2015). The data obtained from
MSE was then combined with the kid’s family history where his older sibling also had similar