The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) defines Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) as persisting and age-inappropriate behavioural patterns of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity. These impediments halt a person’s ability to function across multiple domains such as social, academic and/or occupational. The DSM-V acknowledges three presentation styles of ADHD which include primarily hyperactive-impulsive, primarily inattentive or combined. In order for a diagnosis, symptoms must arise before the age of 12 and persist for more than six months. Another criterion for diagnosis is that at least six symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity
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The main medications used in Drug or Combined Therapy are stimulants (Methylphenidate and Amphetamine) which cause dopamine and norepinephrine levels to become liberated in the central nervous system. Non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine boost norepinephrine levels in the same region (Mash & Wolfe, 2016). Behavioural Therapy (BT) on the other hand is an umbrella term used to describe different interventions which involve restructuring a child’s environment and their internal thought patterns, used alongside reinforcement and model behaviours to extinguish unwanted conduct whilst retaining desired ones (Developmental Psychopathology, 2012; Chronis, Jones, & Raggi, 2006). Examples include Parent Management Training (PTP) and Summer Treatment Program (STP). Combination Therapy where the above treatments are used interdependently are also commonly employed (Mash & Wolfe, 2016). Comorbidities occur when a child presents with more than one psychopathological disorder at once (Mash & Wolfe, 2016), and are quite prominent in ADHD with almost 2/3 of children meeting diagnoses for other disorders (Elia, Ambrosini, & Berrettini, 2008). Thus treatment plans need to take this into consideration for them to be …show more content…
It is not to say that Atomoxetine is a drug without accompanying side effects either. Eli Lilly, the creator of Atomoxetine has issued Black Box Warnings related to increased rates of suicide risk in the first month of consumption in children and adolescents (Finks, 2012). Other side effects include small but a significant rise in mean diastolic blood pressure in children and adolescents (Wernicke et al., 2003) as well as the common side effects which accompany
The main medications used in Drug or Combined Therapy are stimulants (Methylphenidate and Amphetamine) which cause dopamine and norepinephrine levels to become liberated in the central nervous system. Non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine boost norepinephrine levels in the same region (Mash & Wolfe, 2016). Behavioural Therapy (BT) on the other hand is an umbrella term used to describe different interventions which involve restructuring a child’s environment and their internal thought patterns, used alongside reinforcement and model behaviours to extinguish unwanted conduct whilst retaining desired ones (Developmental Psychopathology, 2012; Chronis, Jones, & Raggi, 2006). Examples include Parent Management Training (PTP) and Summer Treatment Program (STP). Combination Therapy where the above treatments are used interdependently are also commonly employed (Mash & Wolfe, 2016). Comorbidities occur when a child presents with more than one psychopathological disorder at once (Mash & Wolfe, 2016), and are quite prominent in ADHD with almost 2/3 of children meeting diagnoses for other disorders (Elia, Ambrosini, & Berrettini, 2008). Thus treatment plans need to take this into consideration for them to be …show more content…
It is not to say that Atomoxetine is a drug without accompanying side effects either. Eli Lilly, the creator of Atomoxetine has issued Black Box Warnings related to increased rates of suicide risk in the first month of consumption in children and adolescents (Finks, 2012). Other side effects include small but a significant rise in mean diastolic blood pressure in children and adolescents (Wernicke et al., 2003) as well as the common side effects which accompany