Mental illnesses are sometimes very challenging to diagnose and correctly identify because of the similarity of their symptoms. Based on the information presented, the best diagnosis for Jason would be to test for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The signs and symptoms exhibited by the fourteen-year-old teenager, including inattention or difficulty paying attention, impulsivity or acting without thinking, and hyperactivity or being over reactive are pointing to one mental condition-ADHD. All these are associated to his vandalizing of school property without thinking, average performance and low IQ, problem waiting for his turns, irresponsible behavior such as alcohol and marijuana use, and blurting out answers (Chamberlain, Ioannidis, Leppink, & Niaz, 2017).
All these symptoms and signs indicate that a psychiatrist, pediatrician, or child psychologist should test whether Jason has ADHD or not. With the assistance of DMS (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) or AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines, the healthcare providers can collect information from parents, caregivers, and schools. The analysis entails comparing Jason’s behavior with the rest of the kids at different stages of his development, including testing for impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Jason should also be subjected to various physical examinations, including hearing and vision. Besides, a non-invasive scan called NEBA (Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid) can be used to test the theta/beta ratio of Jason, which is thought to be high in youngsters with ADHD. A complete medical history to check for additional disorders that may influence a kid's behavior should also be taken, including conditions like depression, lead toxicity, thyroid issues, sleep problems, anxiety, and many others (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).
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Medication, psychotherapy, training, and education, or a combination of the two or three, are some of the best interventions for alleviating ADHD. For drugs, stimulants (such as Ritalin and Concerta), non-stimulants (like guanfacine and atomoxetine) antidepressants (such as tricyclics) are considered the most effective in alleviating symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. For psychotherapy, healthcare providers can assist both the caregivers and parents of children with the condition manage it, including stress management methods (Haack et al., 2017).
References
Chamberlain, S. R., Ioannidis, K., Leppink, E. W., & Niaz, F. (2017). ADHD symptoms in non-treatment seeking young adults: Relationship with other forms of impulsivity. CNS Spectrums, 22 (1), 22-30.
Haack, L. M., et al. (2017). Parenting as a mechanism of change in psychosocial treatment for youth with ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 45 (5), 841-855.
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The basics. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-the-basics/index.shtml
