Mental illness in the community does not discriminate. It can impact women, men, young children, adolescents, the elderly, and any nationality. For this discussion, choose one population along with one mental health disorder and describe how the disorder impacts that population as they attempt to be part of the community. Finally, explain one nursing intervention that would assist them to be successful. Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.

Introduction

Mental illness is a pervasive issue that affects individuals from all walks of life and across various demographic groups. This paper will focus on one specific population, namely young children, and one mental health disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim is to examine how ADHD impacts young children as they strive to be part of the community and explore a nursing intervention that can aid in promoting their success.

ADHD and Young Children

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is estimated that ADHD affects approximately 5-10% of children worldwide (Polanczyk et al., 2014). The impact of ADHD on young children can be significant, as it can interfere with their ability to learn, develop social skills, and establish relationships within their communities.

Impact on Academic Performance

One of the areas severely affected by ADHD in young children is academic performance. These children often struggle with concentration and maintaining focus, making it challenging for them to complete school tasks and assignments. Studies have shown that children with ADHD are more likely to have academic difficulties, lower grades, and higher rates of school dropout, compared to their peers without ADHD (Faraone et al., 2015). Consequently, this can negatively impact their academic achievements and limit their opportunities for success in the future.

Impact on Social Relationships

ADHD can also impact young children’s ability to form and maintain social relationships. The impulsive and hyperactive behaviors associated with ADHD can make it difficult for children to engage in appropriate social interactions. They may struggle with taking turns, following rules, and controlling their impulses, leading to challenges in peer relationships. Research has indicated that children with ADHD have lower quality friendships, increased social rejection, and are more likely to experience peer victimization (Hoza et al., 2005). As a result, these children may feel isolated and disconnected from their community, leading to emotional distress and further exacerbation of their mental health symptoms.

Impact on Emotional Well-being

In addition to academic and social challenges, young children with ADHD may also experience difficulties with emotional regulation and well-being. The impulsivity and inattention associated with ADHD can lead to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty managing emotions. They may struggle with frustration, anger, and impatience, which can further impede their ability to navigate and participate in their community.

Nursing Intervention

To assist young children with ADHD in successfully being part of their community, a holistic and multidisciplinary approach is necessary. One nursing intervention that has shown promise in supporting children with ADHD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychotherapeutic intervention that focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions (Khaleque et al., 2017).

In the context of ADHD, CBT can help children develop skills such as self-monitoring, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for their integration into the community. CBT aims to teach children strategies to improve their attention, manage their impulsivity, and cope with academic and social challenges. Through this intervention, children can gain a better understanding of their ADHD symptoms and learn practical techniques to overcome difficulties and foster their overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ADHD can significantly impact young children as they strive to be part of their community. The disorder can hinder their academic performance, impede social relationships, and negatively affect emotional well-being. However, nurses can play a crucial role in facilitating success for these children by implementing interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. By providing comprehensive care and support, nurses can contribute to improving the quality of life for young children with ADHD and facilitate their full integration into the community.