Even after extensive research, the epidemiology of ADHD is still hard to pinpoint. Most health professionals believe that the disorder is a neurological disorder that is present at birth or develops during early childhood, but some do disagree. The disorder has a prevalence of approximately 5-12% in children, 8.7% in adolescents, and 4% adults. From a genetic basis, it has been determined that ADHD has a heritability rate that ranges from 75-91%, and parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are 2 to 8 times more likely to have ADHD. No one gene has been identified as the cause for the disorder, and it also suggested that it may be the result of mutations in multiple genes (Kearney, 2012). This case does not specify or hint that either one
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Unfortunately in the case of David this falls true. David presents of having a comorbidity of conduct disorder also known as disruptive behavior disorder. Approximately 20-40% of children who already have ADHD eventually develop this disorder (ADHD Basics, 2006). In short terms, conduct disorder can be explained as a disorder in children under the age of 18 whom repeatedly violate the personal and property rights of others, and disobey the basic expectation of society. To be diagnosed with this disorder, David must have a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic right and social norms are violated, which are manifested by the presence of at least three of the listed symptoms in the past 12 months. One category is titled “Aggression to People and Animals”, from this category David meets two of the symptoms: often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others and often initiates physical fights. In the case it states that David was suspended from school for fighting in the lunchroom and because he repeatedly threatened smaller children. It is also mentioned that once David hit puberty at the age of 11, his mischievous behaviors became more destructive and he frequently got into fights with his classmates. Also, another aspect of his aggression is the fact that he was charged with assaulting police officers when he got arrested. David also meets a symptom under the
Unfortunately in the case of David this falls true. David presents of having a comorbidity of conduct disorder also known as disruptive behavior disorder. Approximately 20-40% of children who already have ADHD eventually develop this disorder (ADHD Basics, 2006). In short terms, conduct disorder can be explained as a disorder in children under the age of 18 whom repeatedly violate the personal and property rights of others, and disobey the basic expectation of society. To be diagnosed with this disorder, David must have a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic right and social norms are violated, which are manifested by the presence of at least three of the listed symptoms in the past 12 months. One category is titled “Aggression to People and Animals”, from this category David meets two of the symptoms: often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others and often initiates physical fights. In the case it states that David was suspended from school for fighting in the lunchroom and because he repeatedly threatened smaller children. It is also mentioned that once David hit puberty at the age of 11, his mischievous behaviors became more destructive and he frequently got into fights with his classmates. Also, another aspect of his aggression is the fact that he was charged with assaulting police officers when he got arrested. David also meets a symptom under the