hyperactivity disorder
Anna being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has initiated her participation in a behavioral modification program. Furthermore, upon further evaluation, stimulant medication may be prescribed to treat ADHD. Pros and cons are undoubtedly present when regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any cognitive disorder. Anna is displaying symptoms of a child who has ADHD, however, the symptoms are also heavily associated with other cognitive disorders. It does appear steps were taken to ensure a proper diagnosis but with psychology, nothing is written in stone.
The pros associated with diagnosing Anna with a mental health disorder can unambiguously change her life for the better. With a mental health disorder diagnosis, Anna can receive the proper treatment that will be most effective. Now that there is a diagnosis, Anna and her family may feel a sense of relief knowing there is a name to the problem, and treatment options are in place for it. Furthermore, with a specific diagnosis, the interventions and/or treatment option are narrowed down substantially. Anna and her parents can cope better knowing there are more people in the world going through similar situations and that she isn’t alone. The option of being prescribed psychiatric medication is available and can be extremely beneficial. Mash and Wolfe (2015) stated, “psychoactive drugs work by either increasing or decreasing the flow of various neurotransmitters—for example, increasing dopamine in the case of stimulant medication for ADHD” (p. 43). Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in cognitive disorders, and with ADHD an individual’s dopamine needs to be increased to effectively treat the ADHD. Increased dopamine increase an individual’s ability to maintain attention.
Although being prescribed a medication for a specified mental health disorder can be extremely beneficial, a negative stigma can be associated with an individual who is prescribed medication. The stigma can easily put that individual in a negative light and people may look at her differently. Also, being diagnosed with a mental health disorder does have room for error or disagreement. One professional can be certain of his/her diagnosis of their patient but another professional can have a completely different diagnosis. The stigma can be further elaborated to include Anna being labeled or mislabeled which can result in negative interactions. Sociocultural aspects play a role as well due to beliefs and ideologies may be against specific treatment options. Anna’s culture may be against a specific treatment option. Although implementing an early intervention sounds great, it can actually negatively affect Anna. Especially if Anna is misdiagnosed and her intervention isn’t needed.
