There are many mental disorders that occur early in the life course. The DSM-5 describes neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD and disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. These disorders are examined together with a particular emphasis on comparing and contrasting presenting features. Diagnosis of these various conditions can rarely be made in a single office setting and often require a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders, including the child, as well as his or her parents, teachers, and other significant figures in the child’s life and mental health professionals, such as psychologists who can conduct comprehensive neuropsychological testing. The PMHNP must coordinate and integrate several sources of information to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of these disorders. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan, which will have the potential to minimize the impact of these disorders on the child’s developmental trajectory. When one considers appropriate diagnosis from this perspective, the importance of diagnostic
accuracy becomes quite apparent. This week, you begin exploring disorders that occur early in the life course by working with your group to develop a Parent Guide. You also examine a case to determine a differential diagnosis and treatment plan that incorporates both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Using evidence-based research, design and develop a Parent Guide for your assigned disorder including How the disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed Provide a minimum of three academic references Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. o “Intellectual Disabilities” o “Communication Disorders” Review the following medications: Aripiprazole Risperidone Armodafinil Amphetamine (d) Amphetamine (d,l) Atomoxetine Bupropion Chlorpromazine (hyperactivity) Clonidine Guanfacine Haloperidol (hyperactivity) Lisdexamfetamine Methylphenidate (d) Methylphenidate (d,l) Modafinil Meboxetine Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (2015). (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.