Case Study- Disruptive Behavior

Case Study Analysis

Case Study Analysis:
Billy is a 7-year-old first grade student brought to treatment by his mother. He has been disruptive in class. His teacher and the school counselorare strongly urging that Billy be put on medication for ADHD, but his mother is reluctant to do so.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders.Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2008). The exact etiology of ADHD isunknown. ADHD probably results from a combination of factors. In addition to genetics, biochemical deficits, intrauterine exposure to substances such as alcohol or smoking, exposure to lead, dyes andadditives to food or difficult home environments might contribute to ADHD (NIMH, 2008).
Based on the limited information I have about Billy I would prepare a Differential Diagnosis. My diagnosticconsideration is a type of attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders or any other childhood disorder, which may include, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive behavior disorder NOS,anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, among others (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
In order to formulate a Differential Diagnosis for Billy, or to make the diagnosis of ADHD or any otherdiagnosis, I will have to exclude a number of other possible medical and psychological conditions. To determine the etiology of the disruptive behavior, some of the following medical conditions must beexcluded as causing the behavior. Some may include hypothyroidism, anemia, lead poisoning, chronic illness, hearing or vision impairment, substance abuse, medication side-effects, sleep impairment andchild abuse, among others (First, Frances, & Pincus, 2002). Also, I will have to rule out disruptive behavior for causes of types of mental health conditions such as psychiatric conditions,...