Week 9 Discussion

I need this completed on 01/26/21 by 7pm. 

Please no plagiarism and make sure you are able to access all resources on your own before you bid. Main reference comes from Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). You need to have scholarly support for any claim of fact or recommendation regarding treatment. Grammar, Writing, and APA Format: I expect you to write professionally, which means APA format, complete sentences, proper paragraphs, and well-organized and well-documented presentation of ideas. Remember to use scholarly research from peer-reviewed articles that are current. Sources such as Wikipedia, Ask.com, PsychCentral, and similar sites are never acceptable. Please remember that resources used must be from peer-reviewed resources such as academic journals. Grammar, Writing, and APA Format: I expect you to write professionally, which means APA format, complete sentences, proper paragraphs, and well-organized and well-documented presentation of ideas. Please follow the instructions to get full credit for the discussion. 

Discussion – Week 9

Medication, Children, and Adolescents

Medication is increasingly being prescribed to children and adolescents to treat behavioral or mood problems. Medication for an emotional or behavioral problem can be helpful; there is research showing that for children and adolescents, psychological interventions may be more effective. Sometimes medication is necessaryespecially if the child or adolescent is exhibiting extremely aggressive or dangerous behavior or is severely moody. 

With any medication there are risks, such as side effects and adverse reactions, as well as benefits. Childrens and adolescents brains and bodies continue developing until around the age of 26. The safety of psychotropic medications cannot be inferred from adult-use data. Research has yet to comprehensively examine the effectiveness and long-term side effects of many of these drugs on children and adolescents.

To prepare for the Discussion:

  • Review Chapter 9 of the textbook.
  • Review the media pieces listed in the Learning Resources.
  • Review the expectations in the Discussion Rubric.

Consider the following scenario:

Tonya is a 10-year-old adolescent whose parents have come to you because of a recent diagnosis of ADHD by Tonyas pediatrician. Tonyas parents do not understand how a person is diagnosed with AHDH. They have heard that all ADHD medications are stimulant based and have a high risk for creating substance dependence. Tonya appears motivated to please her parents and teacher but is easily distracted and disengaged. She does not have a history of abusing medications; all medications would be dispensed by Tonyas mother.    

Write out a mini script showing what you, Tonyas counselor, would say to her parents.

By Day 3

Respond to the following prompts using your mini script:

  • Provide two potential questions you might ask about Tonyas diagnosis.
  • Explain the role of behavioral counseling alongside a diagnosis of ADHD.
  • Explain the potential short-term and long-term consequences of not treating ADHD.
  • Include an empathetic reflection of Tonyas parents.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Required Resources

Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.

Chapter 9, Treatment of ADHD and Disorders of Attention 

Optional Resources

Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.

Chapter 15, Case Vignettes: Children 

Chapter 16, Case Vignettes: Adolescents