'The emerging butterfly' : how can a boy considered likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis at age 5 be provided with a different developmental experience? : an extensive clinical exploration with an under 5 boy with an anticipated diagnosis of ADHD, and his journey towards health with the aid of intensive psychotherapy

• Main Author: Brown, Davina
• Published: University of East London 2011
• Subjects: 150
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.569853

This thesis explores the issue of ADHD and its diagnosis in the very young. Also one of my tasks has been to illustrate how offering a four year old boy intensive psychotherapy can be very beneficial for his emotional development and general well being. The detailed analysis of clinical material and commentary covering four phases are explored and further discussion is presented that question whether there is a distinct link between a lack of early containment and ADHD symptomology. The first three phases chart the boy’s gradual progress whilst receiving intensive psychotherapy over the period of one year. The fourth phase documents what happened after the first year of treatment. ADHD origins and symptomology are described as are the more controversial aspects of diagnosis and treatment. The possibility of knee-jerk diagnosis is thought about as is the ADHD symptomology of the parent. A grounded theory qualitative research methodology is applied. The grounded theory approach allowed for the emergence of a theme around the boy’s different uses of the room in his unconscious search for a container to help his manage his internal anxiety. Recommendations for Service, Clinical and Research are offered. It is the authors hope that this research will contribute to the knowledge base of child psychotherapy and aid other professionals who work with challenging young children who have ADHD symptomology.