Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychological disorder mostly affecting children aged between 6-17 years. Latest national study by CDC in the U.S reported that at least 11% of school-going children and young teenagers have been confirmed to be suffering from this disorder. The major symptoms that help rule out ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. For ADHD to be confirmed as the primary condition, a child has to show these symptoms for not less than 6 months. These symptoms affect a child behavior in school and social environments.
The steps involved in DSM-5 differential diagnosis can be summarized in six basic steps which include eliminating any malingering and factitious disorder, eliminating a substance etiology, eliminating an etiological medical condition, establishing the specificied primary disorder(s), distinguishing adjustment Disorder from the residual Other Specified and Unspecified conditions, and determining the boundary with no mental disorder.
The diagnostic criteria from DSM-5 that Marcus meets can help one rule out the likeliness of ADHD diagnosis. Oppositional defiant disorder is identified by opposition to school tasks mostly as a form of opposition in submitting to other’s demands. This is accompanied by resistance, malice and negativity. Under stimulating environments in ADHD children usually result to inattention that is linked to boredom. Stereotypic movement disorder Is identified through repetitive motor behavior that is usually fixed and repetitive like body rocking and fidgeting usually accompanied by restlessness. Intellectual disability is identified by signs of in developmental disorder which includes hyperactivity and impulsivity displayed by children in their academic settings. Major depressive disorder is characterized by lack of concentration and it is witnessed strongly during the child’s peak depressive episodes.
The DSM-5 parent- or guardian-rated Level 1 crosscutting symptom measure accesses the mental health of children aged between 6-17 years. 19 of the 25 questions are rated on a 5-point scale. The answer on suicidal idea, attempt or substance abuse factors given by the parent are the guiding factors in accessing the depth of mental injury. As for Marcus, a score of 3, translating to moderate would be ideal. His cases though frequent, are quite management and has not progressed to the extent of committing or thinking about suicide, or substance abuse.