It has been thought that children do not suffer from mental and emotional
disorders. However, studies have indicated that children do suffer from
illnesses such as learning, conduct, and substance abuse disorders.Conditions
such as autism, depression, and suicide are common in our youth population.
Analyze the case study listed below. Discuss what factors should be
considered when diagnosing this case as required by each axis of the DSM-IV-TR.
What is your treatment recommendation for the case? What medication is typically
used to treat this diagnosis? Brian’s parents would like to use natural remedies
first before medication. Provide two recommendations to them that meet these
criteria.
Case Study: Brian Smith
Brian, age nine, was brought to
the clinic after his classroom teacher suggested that he may need medication to
help him focus and stop disrupting class. She had tried all that she could, but
nothing was successful. His parents were leery of trying medication and wanted
to try natural remedies first before giving him any psychiatric drugs. Brian has
been receiving occupational therapy, which has helped him focus during class.
Brian admitted his mind would wander off when the teacher was writing on the
blackboard; and therefore, he occupied his time with pretend play. Noises his
classmates made disturbed his concentration; he would get upset at them and
argue. His mother also reported that, though Brian was a very affectionate
child, he had always found it difficult to socialize with his peer group and
would resort to aggression out of frustration.
Guided
Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts. Respond
substantively to at least two of your peers who chose a different treatment
option than you. What are the benefits of their proposed treatment plans? What
are the deterrents? What additional recommendations would you include? Why?