Assignment 1 DQ1: How would you define schizophrenia? What are the subtypes? Is it possible to manage and effectively treat this disorder? If so, how? If not, why not? (300 words not including...

Scavenger Hunt
Critical Issue Analysis
PSYCH/515 Version 4
1
Critical Issue Analysis: Is ADHD a real
disorder?
What are at least two facts presented by each side of the critical issue?
Pro side
The National Institute of Mental Health presented the statistic that 3 to 5 percent of
children have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They also mentioned
that there is a specific criterion in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for
Mental Disorders) that outlines patterns of behaviour—hyperactivity-impulsivity,
inattention—required for the diagnosis of ADHD.
Another fact they found important to mention was that not all people who are very
hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive can be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnostic
guidelines specify certain requirements that must be met before a diagnosis can be made.
NIMH also presented certain facts regarding the etiology of ADHD. First, that studies
indicate that ADHD children have 25 percent relatives who also have the disorder
compared to 5 percent in the general population. Twin studies also show a strong
relationship. A 2002 study by NIMH shows that compared to normal controls ADHD
children who do not take medication had a 3 to 4 percent smaller brain volume.
Critical Issue Analysis
PSYCH/515 Version 4
2
In studies related to treatment, it was found that long term combination treatments (with
both medication management and behaviour therapy) were most effective followed by
medication management alone. Intensive behavioural treatment and routine community
treatment were comparatively less effective. The benefit of long term combination
treatment was that a lower dose of medication sufficed.
Con side
Wright pointed out that in the past there were fad disorders that are now not considered.
One such example was of minimal brain disorder (MBS) and he drew parallels between
MBS and ADHD.
Wright presented a study in which ADHD children who were currently taking medication
were given therapy. Eleven treatments on an average produced alarming improvements.
The percentage of boys requiring medications reduced from 61% to 11% and the
percentage of girls requiring medication reduced from 23% to 2%.
What are at least two opinions presented by each side of the critical issue?
Pro side
Overall, the pro side presented their facts in agreement with DSM-IV-TR’s diagnostic
formulations which in their opinion are accurate and to be followed by the word.
In their opinion a child must go through a thorough examination by a well-qualified
practitioner before any such diagnosis is made.
Critical Issue Analysis
PSYCH/515 Version 4
3
In their opinion the evidence suggesting that stimulants (that are used to treat ADHD) can
cause drug abuse or dependence was not convincing.
They also suggested that parents often get overwhelmed when medication causes
improvements and think that medication is sufficient. In the authors' opinion, behaviour
therapy, emotional counselling and practical support are good additions in helping ADHD
children cope.
Con side
The major premise of the argument presented...