Stimulant medications have been used since the mid-1900s to treat ADHD. More recently, medical professionals recognize a degree of complicity in the development of addiction in many of their clients with ADHD in connection with the use of stimulant treatment medications such as dextroamphetamine, levoamphetamine, and methylphenidate. As members of medical treatment teams, mental health professionals recognize their responsibility to treat current clients who have developed this comorbid condition as well as to work to prevent future problems of addiction that might arise from use of stimulant treatment. Clients deserve encompassing, accurate information in order to sort through potentially mixed messages from medical professionals, school personnel, family members, and others. Mental health professionals can provide or point to educational materials to help clients make informed choices, provide information about alternatives based on sound research, and help monitor for misuse of potentially addictive medications (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2021).
For this Discussion, review the media titled “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Counseling Session” and consider the medications a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat ADHD. Conduct an Internet search for at least one peer-reviewed journal article that addresses issues related to the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD as it relates to the client in the media program.
Then :
1. write a brief descriiption of the client’s current presentation in the media program.
2. Choose a medication that a psychiatrist might prescribe to treat ADHD and explain in detail the major action, intended effects, neurotransmitters implicated in its use, and side effects.
3. Explain why you think this medication might be the most effective for treatment.
4. Explain how you might address any issues related to the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD. JUSTIFY your choice based on the client’s presentation and support your position with the READINGS & YOUR JOURNAL ARTICLE.
5. Explain an alternative approach to treating ADHD.
REQUIRED READINGS
Lichtblau, L. (2011). Psychopharmacology demystified. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage Learning.
Chapter 5, “Cognitive Enhancers” (pp. 65–74)
Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., Talaga, M. C., & Moore, B. A. (2021). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (9th ed.). New Harbinger.
Chapter 25, “Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology” (pp. 99-108)
Coker, T. R., Elliott, M. N., Toomey, S. L., Schwebel, D.C., Cuccaro, P., Emery, S. T., & … Schuster, M. A. (2016). Racial and ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Pediatrics, 138(3), e20160407.
Quinn, M., & Lynch, A. (2016). Is ADHD a “Real” Disorder?. Support For Learning, 31(1), 59-70.
Document: ADHD Stimulant Addiction Case Study: Junior (PDF)
Use this document to guide you as you complete this week‘s Assignment.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Use the DSM-5 to guide you through your understanding of the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
.
