30 y/o AA female has been struggling since he was seven years old, focusing on school and the following direction. She has been in 8 different schools before her mother removed her from the classroom and finally placed her in home school to earn her diploma at 19. Alicia is at the clinic today, VSS. She cannot recall any past medical problems other than a new rash on her hands and folds of arms; she noted the itchy rash after using some soap and detergent at a friend’s house—no medications at this time. Alicia is in the clinic because she was told by a friend he may have ADHD and wanted to follow up and get more information and be evaluated.
Alicia also uses marijuana daily; she states that she smokes “loud” and other strands of marijuana that help her stay calm. She says that she pops pills occasionally. Otherwise, she is drug-free. Alicia has been smoking and popping pills since she started dating Alex; sometimes, Alex hits her and says nasty words and makes her feel bad; Alicia deals with the situation because she has no other place to live. Alicia lives as fluid gender, and her family didn’t accept her sexuality, so she was homeless in the past.
1. What is ADHD and who is at risk for getting this disorder?
2. How is it diagnosed? What other diagnosis is present, if any?
3 What are the updated guidelines in treating ADHD? Guidelines for another diagnosis?
4 What is the prognosis of the disorder, are there other disorders associated with ADHD? Prognosis to other diagnosis?
5. Is there a special diet that assists in the outcomes and prognosis of ADHD?
6. As the provider, what would you discuss today in the clinic with this patient? (education plan)
7. How would you approach the patient regarding her domestic issue? Sexuality? Homelessness? Please be mindful of the approach, this is the new generation, and you have to be very careful of the choice of words and make sure there is no judgment in place.
8. As a professional, what would you do regarding his habit of smoking marijuana, “loud,” and taking pills? Give me your care plan for this patient. (Remember, you are the provider, so I expect realistic goals and a realistic care plan for this patient).
