Critical Review of DSM-V Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents

Posted on June 4, 2024 | by Kelvin

Review multiple DSM-V diagnoses relevant to working with children and adolescents, think critically about diagnosing youth, and present a relevant case scenario and diagnosis in a professional manner. Students will address the following components:(a) Present a Brief Case Scenario involving a child or adolescent (i.e., this client can come from a field/internship experience, an online case study, movie/television show or other similar experience you do not have to be working with children/youth currently to participate).(b) Provide a relevant DSM-V Diagnosis for the client and potential differential diagnoses that were considered or need to be considered before deciding on the final diagnosis (i.e., students should identify 1-3 other diagnoses with overlapping criteria to the final diagnosis).(c) Describe your Clinical Impression and justify the diagnosis based on evidence present in the case study.(d) In order to prepare for the presentation, students will write-up these three sections up (1-2 pages) and use this document to present their case scenario in class.Clinical case scenarios should adhere to APA style guidelines but title page and abstract are not required elements for this assignment

Sample Answer

Critical Review of DSM-V Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents

Introduction

The diagnosis of mental health disorders in children and adolescents is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), provides a comprehensive classification system for mental health disorders, including those that are commonly seen in young individuals. In this essay, we will review multiple DSM-V diagnoses relevant to working with children and adolescents, discuss the critical aspects of diagnosing youth, and present a relevant case scenario with a professional diagnosis.

DSM-V Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents

The DSM-V includes a wide range of mental health disorders that can affect children and adolescents. Some common diagnoses in this population include:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD is one of the most prevalent disorders in children.

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that impact social communication and behavior.

3. Depressive Disorders: These include major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder, which can manifest in children and adolescents as well.

4. Anxiety Disorders: Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias are common in young individuals.

5. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): ODD is characterized by defiant and hostile behavior towards authority figures.

Case Scenario

Brief Case Scenario: Emily is a 12-year-old girl who has been exhibiting symptoms of inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity both at home and in school. She struggles to focus on tasks, frequently forgets to complete homework assignments, and often interrupts others during conversations.

DSM-V Diagnosis: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Differential Diagnoses:

1. Anxiety Disorders: Symptoms of anxiety can sometimes overlap with those of ADHD, such as restlessness and difficulty focusing.

2. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): ODD can also present with symptoms of impulsivity and defiance, which may resemble ADHD behaviors.

Clinical Impression: Based on the evidence present in the case study, including Emily’s symptoms of inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity, along with her age-appropriate onset of these behaviors, a diagnosis of ADHD seems most appropriate. While anxiety and ODD were considered as differential diagnoses due to overlapping symptoms, the core features of ADHD align closely with Emily’s presentation.

Conclusion

Diagnosing mental health disorders in children and adolescents requires a thorough evaluation of symptoms, developmental considerations, and potential comorbidities. By critically reviewing DSM-V diagnoses relevant to this population and considering differential diagnoses, mental health professionals can make informed decisions to support the well-being of young individuals like Emily.

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