A mother on your caseload describes her 7 year-old son as pervasively and chronically restless, impulsive, and inattentive. She notes, "He just can't seem to pay attention, makes careless mistakes, doesn't seem to listen when I talk to him, constantly loses things, is easily distracted, and is just so disorganized." Further, she adds that her son often talks excessively, blurts things out, cannot wait his turn, constantly interrupts, fidgets, and simply cannot play quietly. Which diagnosis best fits this clinical picture?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described align with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, which is characterized by pervasive inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The other three options (bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder) are not as fitting for the described symptoms.

A Mother on Your Caseload Describes Her 7 Year-Old Son