Introduction
Based on the symptoms and information presented by Marcus’ teachers and parents, I would consider Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a diagnosis. According to Austerman (2015), ADHD frequently develops at a young age, and the qualifying symptoms must be present “in at least two settings” (S2). Marcus is aged 10, and his hyperactive behavior and difficulties staying focused occur both at home and school. Furthermore, the situation is complicated by the fact that the boy lives in two different households on weekdays and weekends, one of which is stricter.
DSM-5 Criteria
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder whose symptoms in pediatric patients include persistent inattention, self-focused behavior, and hyperactivity that result in poor academic performance and difficulties getting along with other people. The DSM-5 raised the age limit from 6 to 12 for qualifying the disorder in children and now requires five instead of six inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (Austerman, 2015). The specific DSM-5 criteria that Marcus meets are listed below.
Inattention
- not paying attention to the teacher;
- trouble following instructions;
- getting distracted easily;
- difficulty completing tasks both home and at school;
- trouble doing activities that require mental effort (reading and taking tests).
Hyperactivity
- fidgeting and not being able to stand still;
- trouble sitting still during dinner or other events;
- talking out of turn;
- interrupting other students’ work;
- taking his brothers’ toys without asking;
- difficulty waiting for his turn.
Hence, five symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactivity are found in Marcus in three settings, which implies their attribution to ADHD.
Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptoms Measure Score
The score that I would document for Markus would most likely be four in Domain III “Inattention,” as the boy experiences symptoms nearly every day for at least a year. Other domains appear irrelevant since Marcus does not show signs of problems attributed to depression, anger, mania, anxiety, etc.
Reference
Austerman, J. (2015). ADHD and behavioral disorders: Assessment, management, and an update from DSM-5. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 82(11 Suppl 1), S2-S7. Web.