Discuss why you would or would not recommend medication.

Consider the following scenario:

Olivia is worried that her 8-year-old daughter, Demica, has been recommended by her teacher for medication for ADHD. Olivia reports that Demica was diagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten and her teachers have always worked with her on behavior plans within the classroom and that Demica struggles, but has maintained her grades. Since she started second grade, however, Demica has been struggling more recently than before. Her teacher reports that the other children do not want to play with her, that she consistently interrupts the class, and is easily distracted. Last week was a particularly bad week and she was sent to the office twice for interrupting her teacher and being “rude and disruptive.” Olivia is seeking guidance and recommendations on how to help her daughter.

For this discussion, consider medicating children with psychiatric prescriptions. For your post, address the following:

Would you include medication as part of the treatment plan for Demica?
Discuss why you would or would not recommend medication. Include at least one reference defending your decision.
Apply at least one ethical consideration while considering recommending psychiatric medication for children and adolescents. Include at least one reference that supports your application.
Discuss how you would address this ethical dilemma.

Respond to the following peer. Design a plan of care for Demica. Identify a therapy modality (reality, behavioral, REBT, cognitive). Explain why you chose this treatment and identify 2 specific evidence-based interventions that apply. Would this be in complement with medication therapy or as an alternative to medication therapy? Why?

Peer:

“I would consider medication as part of the treatment plan, but not as the sole intervention. Given Demica’s history of struggling with ADHD symptoms and the recent escalation in challenges reported by her teacher, medication might provide additional support in managing her symptoms.

Research suggests that a multimodal approach combining behavioral interventions and medication can be effective in addressing ADHD symptoms (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019). Medication, when appropriately prescribed and monitored, may enhance Demica’s ability to focus and reduce disruptive behaviors, providing her with a better learning environment.

One ethical consideration is the principle of beneficence – ensuring the well-being and best interests of the child (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). It’s essential to balance potential benefits of medication with any associated risks or side effects. Open communication with Demica and her mother, considering their values and preferences, is crucial in making an informed decision.

To address the ethical dilemma, a collaborative decision-making process involving Demica, Olivia, and relevant professionals should be initiated. Informed consent should be obtained, discussing potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to medication. Regular monitoring and communication will be essential to assess the medication’s effectiveness and address any emerging concerns.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics, 144(4), e20192528.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.”