Diagnosis DSM-5 indicates that children who meet the diagnostic criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) must demonstrate at least four recurrent angry, irritable, argumentative, defiant, and/or vindictive symptoms within a six month period. The aforementioned symptoms must cause disturbances in academic, social, and occupational areas of functioning, (Sadock, Sadock, & Ruiz, 2015; Abolt & Thyer, 2008). Statistics indicate that ODD is more commonly diagnosed in adolescent males, who are referred more often for conduct problems, (Abolt & Thyer, 2008). Devon, a ten year old male, was referred to the school social worker for assessment due to behavioral problems that have been present for seven months. Reported contentions between
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An assessment of family dynamics will allow the social worker to identify and target negative contributing factors that could be triggers for Devon’s anger. Working with the family to identify triggers that cause Devon’s anger will provide Devon with the support he needs to develop healthy and effective anger management skills. Psychoeducation will train the parents to provide Devon with support and supervision that encourages and reinforces positive behaviors and to ignore and/or discourage negative behaviors, (Sadock et al., 2015). The implementation of anger management will teach Devon to cope with his anger, which will reduce his argumentative, defiant, and vindictive behaviors. Devon’s argumentativeness towards his mother and his defiance of both his mother and father creates disturbances within the family dynamics; his behaviors strain the relationship with his mother and father. Devon’s parents are natural supports, who can be educated on supports that could be implemented to reduce his anger and behaviors at both home and …show more content…
Additional information pertaining to triggers that make Devon angry, which can be gained through individual therapy, will allow the social worker to begin working with Devon to identify his triggers and implement techniques that will facilitate anger management. Per report, it is challenging to redirect Devon, which is an indicator of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive. Further assessment is needed to determine if Devon meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Further assessment is also needed to rule out Specific Learning Disorder, due to Devon’s difficulties with reading comprehension. The aforementioned needs for additional information will provide the social worker with a significant amount of information that will strengthen the working diagnosis and provide more guidance for the methods of treatment. Knowledge of the direct causes of Devon’s behaviors will allow the social worker to provide effective services that will provide Devon the support he needs to improve his quality of
An assessment of family dynamics will allow the social worker to identify and target negative contributing factors that could be triggers for Devon’s anger. Working with the family to identify triggers that cause Devon’s anger will provide Devon with the support he needs to develop healthy and effective anger management skills. Psychoeducation will train the parents to provide Devon with support and supervision that encourages and reinforces positive behaviors and to ignore and/or discourage negative behaviors, (Sadock et al., 2015). The implementation of anger management will teach Devon to cope with his anger, which will reduce his argumentative, defiant, and vindictive behaviors. Devon’s argumentativeness towards his mother and his defiance of both his mother and father creates disturbances within the family dynamics; his behaviors strain the relationship with his mother and father. Devon’s parents are natural supports, who can be educated on supports that could be implemented to reduce his anger and behaviors at both home and …show more content…
Additional information pertaining to triggers that make Devon angry, which can be gained through individual therapy, will allow the social worker to begin working with Devon to identify his triggers and implement techniques that will facilitate anger management. Per report, it is challenging to redirect Devon, which is an indicator of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive. Further assessment is needed to determine if Devon meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Further assessment is also needed to rule out Specific Learning Disorder, due to Devon’s difficulties with reading comprehension. The aforementioned needs for additional information will provide the social worker with a significant amount of information that will strengthen the working diagnosis and provide more guidance for the methods of treatment. Knowledge of the direct causes of Devon’s behaviors will allow the social worker to provide effective services that will provide Devon the support he needs to improve his quality of