Approach to treatment
I was given the assignment to defend (pro) Methylphenidate, and I chose patient 2. My argument is as follows:
In Jessica’s case study, considering Methylphenidate as a treatment option for ADHD is a common choice due to its established effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms. Here is how Methylphenidate could be beneficial for Jessica and some considerations
regarding medication options:
Proposed Mechanism of Action of Methylphenidate:
Methylphenidate works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, it helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control, addressing symptoms like distractibility, poor task completion, and
impulsivity often seen in ADHD.
Advantages of Methylphenidate for Jessica:
- Effectiveness: Methylphenidate has been shown to be effective in managing ADHD
symptoms, including improving attention and focus, which could help Jessica with her
work tasks. - Various formulations: Methylphenidate comes in different formulations, offering
options such as extended-release formulations that can provide symptom control
throughout the day. - Fast onset of action: Immediate-release forms of Methylphenidate can provide quick
relief, potentially helping Jessica manage her symptoms at work.
Disadvantages of Methylphenidate: - Side effects: Common side effects may include insomnia, reduced appetite, and
potential for misuse leading to dependency, which should be monitored. - Individual response: Not all patients respond the same to Methylphenidate, and finding
the right dosage and formulation is crucial for optimal results.
Advantages of Other Medication Options (e.g., Amphetamines): - Different response rates: Some individuals may respond better to amphetamines over
Methylphenidate due to differences in their mechanisms of action. - Alternative formulations: Amphetamines also come in various formulations, offering
alternative treatment options based on individual needs.
Disadvantages of Other Medication Options: - Side effects: Amphetamines can have side effects like increased heart rate, agitation,
and potential for abuse. - Legal considerations: Prescribing amphetamines also requires adherence to controlled
substance regulations, similar to Methylphenidate.
Possible Side Effects and Considerations for Methylphenidate: - Monitoring: Regular monitoring of Jessica’s response, side effects, and adjustment of
the medication regimen is essential. - Dependency risk: There is a potential risk of dependence with Methylphenidate, so
careful evaluation and monitoring are crucial.
Legal Implications:
When prescribing Methylphenidate, the healthcare provider must adhere to legal
regulations surrounding controlled substances to prevent misuse and ensure safe
administration to patients like Jessica.
Ethical Implications:
Healthcare professionals need to ethically diagnose and treat Jessica’s ADHD, ensuring
that medication is prescribed appropriately, balancing benefits and risks while
considering non-pharmacological interventions.
Social Implications:
Socially, the use of Methylphenidate may help Jessica function better in her work
environment, potentially reducing conflicts with colleagues. However, societal
perceptions of medication use for behavioral issues also need to be considered to address
potential stigma.
In Jessica’s case, Methylphenidate could be a suitable option to address her ADHD
symptoms, but a comprehensive evaluation of her individual needs, response to
treatment, and potential side effects is necessary to make an informed decision about her
medication regimen.
Katherine C post for response
Malcolm is a 9-year-old male in the 4th grade at the public elementary school.
Malcolm has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, combined presentation.
Malcolm struggles with being fidgety and hyperactive; he often gets into trouble at
school for blurting out answers, getting out of his desk when he should not be, and
hitting other children when upset. Malcolm also has a hard time focusing on
anything other than video games at home. His parents report homework takes “all
night” though it should only take 30 minutes. Malcolm has assigned chores but
often gets distracted. For example, Malcolm was to take out the trash but got
distracted in the driveway while taking out the trash and left the full bag in the
driveway. He often misplaces the combination code for the lock on the house door.
The drug that I was assigned was methylphenidate and the cons that it may have on
a patient. One thing all providers should do before giving a child medication is look
at the pros and cons of the medication for this child. One of the things to look at is
age, at age 9-years-old children are growing rapidly and need the correct nutrition
for them to grow properly. On of the side effects of this drug is decrease appetite,
which lead to not getting enough calories for their body to grow correctly
(Khaksarian, 2021). This can lead to stunted growth and underweight patients
(Childress, 2022).
Another thing that methylphenidate can cause is increase blood pressure.
According to Busold-Hagenbeck’s study, up to 34% of 44 male children had
increase of blood pressure greater than or equal to 10 mmHg (Busold-
Hagenbeck,2020). Depending on the patient baseline this could be concerning if
they already have higher blood pressure. This is something that need to monitor
closely and could cause serious life-threatening issues.
Another thing that is concerning about methylphenidate is methylphenidate has
the potential to cause sleep disturbances. Another thing a child needs to grow and
be healthy is sleep (Childress, 2022). Sleep should be monitor closely while taking
this medication, due to the fact that lack of sleep can cause irritability, and lack of
focus during the daytime.
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