Risks, Benefits, And Diagnosis

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read the required chapters from the text and review the required articles for this week.

The risk-benefit calculation for any drug assumes a correct diagnosis of the disorder. Many investigators and clinicians feel the current epidemic of child psychiatric disorders is largely due to inappropriate diagnosis. Evaluate the risk and benefits of using psychoactive drugs in children correctly diagnosed with a disorder versus those incorrectly diagnosed with a disorder. Consider the risks and benefits of not treating (drug treatment) a child because he or she is not correctly diagnosed with a disorder. In your evaluation summarize the natural course of the disorder, the drug action on the neurotransmitter systems in question, and the likelihood of short-term, long-term, and permanent positive and negative effects of drug treatment. Make sure to take into account the ethical dimension of this risk-benefit calculation.

Guided Response: Review several of your colleagues’ posts and respond to at least two of your peers by 11:59 p.m. on Day 7 of the week. You are encouraged to post your required replies earlier in the week to promote more meaningful interactive discourse in this discussion. What was the substance of your colleague’s argument? Do you agree with this argument? Why, or why not? To what extent did your colleague consider the ethical dimension to this risk-benefit calculation when prescribing drugs for children who are too young to be of the age of legal consent? Whether you agree or disagree with the conclusion, was the ethical aspect dealt with in a responsible manner? What insights did your colleague include that you had not considered? What might you suggest he or she consider which was not already included? Please use your research to support your assertions.

Solution Preview

The Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder amongst children whose prevalence is increasing. However, ADHD is a complex condition that makes it harder for physicians to diagnose accurately. With no single test for diagnosing ADHD, its current epidemic is enhanced by inappropriate diagnosis (Miller, 2017). The children with ADHD exhibit behavioral concerns such as hyperactivity, inattention, oppositionality, impulsivity or poor academic progress. The condition is associated with shortfalls in brain structure, neural connectivity, and functioning. Stimulants including methylphenidates and amphetamines are used to treat the condition which boosts both norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

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