You are a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner employed in a local community health center. Today you are seeing Marta, an 8-year-old female who presents with her biological parents. Marta was referred by her pediatrician for school failure and behavioral issues. Further, the reason for the referral is possible attention deficit hyperactivity disorder versus oppositional defiant disorder. SOLVED-What is the difference between ADHD and ODD?

1. Please discuss the difference between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder.  
2. What are the parameters of assessment and evidence-based tools you will use in the assessment of this disorder?  
3. If your assessment findings validate the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. How will you integrate both psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic approaches along with interdisciplinary plan?  
4. If your assessment findings validate oppositional defiant disorder, what will be the sequence for the management and interdisciplinary plan for this child’s care?  

Please discuss the difference between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder.   

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes behavioral symptoms such as difficulties maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This condition leads to functional deficits in numerous domains of life. Additionally, children diagnosed with ADHD are at increased risk of anxiety and sadness, which may exacerbate their core problem. Furthermore, those with anxiety and depression may have scholastic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, and suicide thoughts, affecting their life course. Besides ADHD has two types of symptoms: not paying attention and being restless or impulsive. On the other hand, ODD has three types of symptoms: argumentative or stubborn behavior, an angry or irritable mood, and a mean attitude. 

What are the parameters of assessment and evidence-based tools you will use in the assessment of this disorder?   

To properly diagnose ADHD and ODD, it is important to do a full clinical interview, get information from multiple sources, and use standardized rating scales. Moreover, it important to look at the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to see how often, how badly, and how they affect areas like home, school, and social interactions. The Swanson and Pelham Rating Scale was created due to lack of a parent or teacher rating scale for ADHD symptoms.