Pediatric Illness Guidelines
Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder in children. It affects how they behave, socialize, and live throughout their daily life. My discussion will focus on the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, investigation, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management, education, and follow-up for ADHD. Do you need help with your assignment ? Contact us at eminencepapers.com.
Etiology
The actual causes or origins of ADHD remain unknown. However, the development of ADHD is attributed to genetics and possibly environmental factors (Retz et al., 2021). Additionally, ADHD can develop from brain and head injuries that cause trauma, leading to structural and functional abnormalities in parts of the brain (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Sections of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, that regulate attention and physical functionality can be affected by brain injuries, leading to the manifestation of ADHD symptoms.
Epidemiology
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and sometimes in adults. It is noted to affect three to five percent of children globally (Retz et al., 2021). Additionally, it is more prevalent in boys than in girls (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). ADHD has also been identified to be present alongside other mental health issues during childhood.
Pathophysiology
ADHD develops when poor neurodevelopment due to genetics and factors within the environment occurs, leading to poor regulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This then leads to the failure of the brain to regulate excitement, focus, behavior, and response to stimuli within the environment.
Clinical Manifestations
ADHD in children and adolescents can be manifested by increased activity, restlessness, and inattention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Children with ADHD also show increased fidgeting and an inability to organize themselves. They also tend to be interruptive and impatient. If it progresses to adulthood, the individual may exhibit antisocial behavior (Retz et al., 2021).
Investigation
The assessment for ADHD in children includes a review of the child’s and family history of ADHD, their environment, and physical examination, as well as a review of the symptoms such as behavior and reactivity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Diagnosis also includes rating the manifested symptoms using various clinical scales, such as the DSM-5 (Retz et al., 2021).
Pharmacologic Management
ADHD can be treated with stimulant medications such as amphetamines, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Non-stimulant alternatives can also be used in children intolerant to stimulant treatments.
Non-Pharmacologic Management
Psychotherapy and psychosocial interventions such as behavioral therapy are also effective, especially in children between four and five years with ADHD (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Support groups also improve ADHD outcomes.
Education
Education involving the patient and the parents focusing on proper parenting and caring for the child can improve the management of ADHD (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). The patient can also be educated on how to manage situations to improve outcomes.
Follow-up
Caring for children with ADHD requires follow-up care in which the symptoms are monitored. Additionally, follow-up care should focus on regularly monitoring response to medication.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 9). What is ADHD?. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022, November). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. NIMH. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Retz, W., Ginsberg, Y., Turner, D., Barra, S., Retz-Junginger, P., Larsson, H., & Asherson, P. (2021). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), antisociality, and delinquent behavior over the lifespan. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 120, 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NEUBIOREV.2020.11.025
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
Pediatric Illness Guidelines
Discuss the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, investigation, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management, education, and follow-up for a pediatric diagnosis or pediatric care consideration. 500 words or less for the initial post. Example requirement: evidence-based sources only, such as AAFP, CDC, IDSA, ADA, JNC 8, etc. (Textbook resources and Internet sites affiliated with medical associations are considered reliable sources for information on the most up-to-date guidelines.)
Complete the order form and upload all of your files, including any instructions, rubrics, or other materials provided by your instructor. 
Complete the order payment after filling in the order form. We’ll receive your order and assign it to a writer.
The assigned writer will complete your paper and forward it to our Editing Team for review and approval.
Once approved by the editor, the completed paper will be uploaded to your account for you to download, review and approve.