Mood Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Symptoms

• Common symptoms include:

  • Aggression

  • Hyperactivity

  • Self-harm

  • Impulsivity

  • Temper tantrums

  • Echolalia

    • Definition: Involuntary repetition of words or phrases spoken by others.

Care Plan for ASD

• Diagnosis: Risk for Self-Mutilation

  • Goal: Patient demonstrates alternative behavior

    • One-to-one interaction

    • Interventions with diversion tactics

    • Prevention of self-harm

• Diagnosis: Impaired Social Interaction

  • Goal: Patient will demonstrate trust in one caregiver and initiate social interactions

    • Limit the number of caregivers

    • Utilize familiar objects for comfort

    • Positive reinforcement for maintaining eye contact

• Diagnosis: Impaired Verbal Communication

  • Goal: Patient establishes trust with a single caregiver and improves communication skills

    • Consistency in interactions

    • Anticipate needs of the patient

    • Positive reinforcement for eye contact

• Diagnosis: Disturbed Personal Identity

  • Goal: Patient names own body parts and develops a sense of ego

    • Recognize the concept of separateness

    • Learn the names of body parts

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms

• Symptoms may include:

  • Inattention

  • Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

  • Attention deficit issues

  • Memory and thinking deficits

  • Specific learning disabilities

  • Speech and hearing deficits

Symptoms with Hypersensitivity

• Symptoms include:

  • Boundless energy

  • Excessive activity levels

  • Restlessness

  • Fidgeting

Comorbidity in ADHD

• Common comorbidities include:

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

Medications for ADHD

Stimulant Medications

• Amphetamines:

  • Cause release of norepinephrine from central noradrenergic neurons; higher doses may release dopamine in the mesolimbic system.

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Dexmethylphenidate:

  • Block reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in presynaptic neurons, increasing their release into the extraneuronal space.

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• Side Effects of Medications:

  • Restlessness

  • Insomnia

  • Headache

  • Palpitations

  • Weight loss

  • Suppressed growth (with long-term use)

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Abdominal pain

  • Anxiety

  • Potential for tolerance and dependence

Diagnosis for ADHD

• Inattention: Six or more symptoms required.

• Hyperactivity: Six or more symptoms required.

Care Plan for ADHD

• Diagnosis: Risk for Injury

  • Goal: Patient remains free of injury

    • Maintain a safe environment.

• Diagnosis: Impaired Social Interaction

  • Goal: Patient interacts in an age-appropriate manner and limits intrusive behaviors.

    • Develop trusting relationships.

    • Discuss unacceptable behavior.

    • Encourage group interactions.

• Diagnosis: Low Self-Esteem

  • Goal: Patient improves self-worth and takes charge of their care.

    • Set realistic goals for success.

    • Provide successful opportunities.

    • Positive reinforcement and feedback for behavior and attempts.

• Diagnosis: Ineffective Health Self Management

  • Goal: Patient participates in and completes tasks independently.

    • Minimize distractions.

    • Provide one-to-one support.

    • Repeat instructions as needed.

    • Reward completion of each step.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Symptoms of ODD

• Symptoms include:

  • Running away

  • School avoidance

  • Underachievement in school

  • Temper tantrums

  • Fighting

  • Argumentativeness

Care Plan for ODD

• Diagnosis: Defensive Coping

  • Goal: Structured plan with a reward system.

    • Convey acceptance of feelings.

    • Help patient recognize feelings of inadequacy.

    • Provide non-threatening feedback for passive-aggressive behavior.

    • Implement role-play exercises.

    • Offer immediate positive feedback for progress.

• Diagnosis: Impaired Social Interaction

  • Goal: Patient interacts in an age-appropriate manner and limits intrusive behavior.

    • Foster trusted relationships.

    • Manage passive-aggressive behavior.

    • Promote group interactions.

• Diagnosis: Low Self-Esteem

  • Goal: Patient increases self-worth and directs own care.

    • Establish realistic goals.

    • Provide opportunities for success.

    • Offer unconditional acceptance.

    • Limit manipulative behavior.

Conduct Disorder

Care Plan for Conduct Disorder

• Diagnosis: Risk for Other-Directed Violence

  • Goal: Patient discusses feelings of anger and does not harm others.

• Diagnosis: Impaired Social Interaction

  • Goal: Patient interacts in age-appropriate ways in relation to staff and peers.

• Diagnosis: Defensive Coping

  • Goal: Patient verbalizes responsibility for difficulties in relationships.

• Diagnosis: Low Self-Esteem

  • Goal: Patient participates in self-care and demonstrates increased feelings of self-worth.