Cyrus Case Study

Cyrus is an active seven year old boy. He spends his waking hours running, playing, and creating fantastical adventures in his mind. Upon a first meeting, most people would be baffled by his abundance of energy. Some might even notice that he has a difficult time listening and responding appropriately. Certain individuals would chalk it up to being a characteristic of his age group. Only those educated in mental illnesses would recognize that he exhibits, or has exhibited previously, nearly all the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder as well as comorbidity with Specific Learning Disorder. At home, Cyrus has displayed issues regarding homework, effective listening and personal space. His parents have a difficult time trying

The difference between what is considered normal and what is not, is the amount of stress involved, as well as, how impaired a person’s life is due to the behaviors. Unfortunately in Cyrus’ case, he is experiencing severe stress and impairments in his daily life. At home, Cyrus is constantly being corrected for behaviors that he should have control over, homework time has become a battle ground and guests are being put-off by his overly attached attitude. At school, his grades are failing and he frequently gets himself into trouble without purposely intending to do so (in most cases). In order to meet the official diagnosis for Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Specific Learning Disorder, however, there are other criteria in the DSM- 5 that must be

His experiences show all nine symptoms for Inattentional and seven out of nine symptoms for Hyperactive/Impulsive. In either case, only six symptoms need to be present for a diagnosis. The only two symptoms from Hyperactive/Impulsive that he has not yet displayed are: g) he doesn’t blurt out answers and h) he doesn’t have difficulty waiting for his turn. The symptoms he does exhibit, arose before the age of twelve, have continued for more than six months, and are present in both the school environment as well as at home. Cyrus also meets the diagnostic criteria for Specific Learning Disorder. He has a difficult time learning concepts and applying academic skills. He continuously shows signs of four out of the six symptoms of Specific Learning Disorder. He has trouble spelling, issues with grammar/punctuation/paragraph organization, and has difficulties with all forms of math. Only one symptom lasting 6 months or more is required for a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorder. In report cards, he has shown to be significantly below grade average in all of the above categories. He doesn’t show symptoms related to other disorders besides these two and these criteria best fit his circumstances. In order to properly diagnose Cyrus, the multiaxial system must be used to address any other issues contributing to his distress. Axis one is Cyrus has Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity