Discuss the ethical issues that Dr. Romanoff needs to consider as she is complet

Question

Discuss the ethical issues that Dr. Romanoff needs to consider as she is completing the assessment, writing the report, and interpreting the results. Apply the relevant General Principles and Ethics Code Standards to the following dilemma:

Case Study: Dr. Romanoff, a neuropsychologist in a small interprofessional group practice has been asked by the practice’s pediatrician to evaluate Tommy, a second grader who is displaying behavioral problems at home and at school. Tommy’s parents have joint custody and alternate their child care responsibilities on a weekly basis. Dr. Romanoff conducted a standard battery of assessments that included neuropsychological testing; standardized instruments completed by Tommy, his parents, and teachers; and a family-based clinical interview. The majority of standardized assessments support a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the family interviews indicate that behavioral problems largely emerge during weeks when Tommy stays at the home of his mother and her female romantic partner. Dr. Romanoff is aware that in the future, her report may be used in court if Tommy’s father chooses to challenge the custody arrangements and is unsure whether her report should mention the gender of Tommy’s mother’s romantic partner. She is also concerned that if she includes a diagnosis of ADHD, the pediatrician will automatically prescribe medications without exploring the family factors that may also account for the symptoms.

Explanation / Answer

There are a number of ethical issues that Dr. Romanhoff is facing. If she labels the child as having ADHD, he would be faced with negative implications. The Pediatrician would not also be putting anymore efforts to try to work with the child, but would rather be ignoring the family issues. In the assessment and report, rather than mentioning ADHD, the neuropsychologist could indicate Behavioral problems and the real cause of it. Diagnosing a child with a Behavioral problem has several negative implications throughout the life, and this should tried to be avoided.

Keeping in mind the principles of beneficence, and non maleficence, Dr. Romanhoff should not provide a definitive diagnosis. Rather than medications, she should be providing counseling, for Behavioral problems, so that it could be corrected.

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