Masters of social Work; diagnosing children-Elderly for Medications class - Assignment Example

Masters of social Work; diagnosing children-Elderly for Medications al Affiliation) Introduction There are various cognitive function disorders that affect children and adults. These disorders usually affect the behaviors of affected persons by generally interfering with the manner through they make decisions. One of these cognitive disorders is the Oppositiona Defiant Disorder (ODD); medics have described the ODD as a continuous pattern of hostility, defiance and anger usually directed towards authorities (http://www.

whatisoppositionaldisorder.com n.d). It is characterized by patterns that are believed to be beyond the limits of normal child. The other cognitive disorder is the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; it is characterized by hyperactivity among affected individuals and problems associated with attention as well as impulsive behaviors (Dodson 2005). This discussion will describe the reasons why Opposition Defiant Disorder has been decreasing while ADHD has been increasing over time. Moreover it will elaborate the reasons why elderly populations are usually inappropriately medicated and provide recommendations.

Discussion OneThe occurrence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder among children has been decreasing over-time. This has been attributed to various issues; to begin with research has indicated increased awareness among parents in regard to childhood mental disorders hence facilitating early diagnosis and treatment (Schubiner 2006).Medical research has also provided pertinent ways of treating and managing Oppositional Defiant Disorders among children. Some of these modes of treatment entail the application of cognitive counseling for instance: The Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that basically involves appreciation and provision of rewards for kids when they exhibit positive behavior.

Another method of treatment that has been offered by medical psychology is the use of medication: This is usually recommended for persons who are suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorders, coupled with other cognitive disorders such as ADHD (http://www.whatisoppositionaldisorder.com n.d).On the other hand cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders have been increasing in the current generation. According to a research performed by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, cases of ADHD have been increasing overtime in the global dimension.

In the United States, these cases have increased by 11% over a period of ten years. This has been attributed to a number of issues, specifically: Lack of exercise among kids reducing their chances of releasing extra energy (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story n.d) Moreover the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has also been increasing among adults, especially in college students. The research attributes this increase to lack of physical activity leading to increased emotional and psychological stress.

In addition the increasing prevalence of ADHD has been associated with the challenges that are faced in regard to its diagnosis; this disorder is quite challenging to recognize hence may affect a person for a long time.Another cognitive disorder that has been increasing in the contemporary society is the Bipolar disorder. Researchers have also referred to it as “manic-depressive disorder”. It affects a person’s moods, changes his/her energy levels directed towards undertaking daily activities thus affecting their capacities to perform these duties (http://www.nimh.nih.gov n.d).

There are various reasons that have been attributed to the current increase of bipolar disorder. The first reason is ascribed to genetic of humans: Research indicates that bipolar can also be genetically inherited thus resulting to the current in increased cases among the populace. Another is reason is that; bipolar is not easily spotted at the initial stages hence making it difficult to control it. Medical scientists have also asserted that in some cases, bipolar co-exist with other cognitive disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder that makes it difficult to diagnose it at the early stages (http://www.nimh.nih.gov n.d).

Consequences of these Disorders on a Micro, Mezzo and Macro levelsMicro Levels: On a micro level, these disorders have various consequences that basically affect individuals and their immediate surroundings. To begin with, any disease that affects the proper functioning of a person’s mental processes does not only affect his/her health, but also affects the manner through which he interacts with various socio-economic facets. In addition, such individuals may also be compelled to undertake measures that include utilization of extra finances to solve this mental problem.

Mezzo Level: On an average level, mental challenges resulting from ODD, ADHD and Bipolar disorder, affects the relationship between the affected individuals and their close family members as well as friends. This majorly occurs when the close relatives and friends are not able to identify causes of an individual’s behavior. Moreover close family members may also be compelled to use large amounts of funds in order to provide mental health services to the affected person.Macro Level: On a large scale, these mental challenges may affect an entire society for instance; loss of lives resulting from death of a person affected by Bipolar disorder.

Moreover, governments and other health agencies are usually compelled to invest large amounts of capital towards mental health clinics hence creating challenges in cases of financial crises.Discussion TwoInappropriate medication among the elderly populace has been recognized as a major health concern. Research has shown that this has been factor facilitating the increased risks of adverse drug reactions (http://www.healthinaging.org n.d). It has been attributed to lack of clear information of the health history of the elderly populace.

In addition, some elderly patients may suffer from various health challenges that are associated with old age; hence causing confusion among the health practitioners (http://www.healthinaging.org n.d). However, research has indicated that this can be prevented through proper keeping medical history from childhood. The elderly patients are also encouraged to inquire whether their medications have negative drug interaction. Consequently, medical health practitioners are also encouraged to follow appropriate medication criteria that entail facets like studying a patient’s medical health history.

ReferencesSchubiner, H. (2006).  Substance abuse in patients with hyperactivity attention deficit disorder: Therapeutic implications.  Central Nervous System (CNS) Drugs,19(8), 643-655ADHD diagnoses are on the rise: 11% of U.S. kids are affected. (n.d.). ADHD diagnoses are on the rise: 11% of U.S. children are affected. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?id=9049108 What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?: February 2012. (n.d.). What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

: February 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from http://www.whatisoppositionaldefiantdisorder.com/2012_02_01_archive.html Dodson, W. (2005). Pharmacotherapy of adult ADHD.  Journal of Clinical Psychology/In session, 61, 589-606.Medications & Older Adults. (n.d.). > Health in Aging. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from http://www.healthinaging.org/medications-older-adults/Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). NIMH RSS. Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml