Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can co-occur with other disorders that involve a tendency toward violence. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 40 percent of children with ADHD also have conduct disorder, which is characterized by aggression toward people and animals, breaking of the law, and destruction of property. It is imperative that treatment be undertaken only by a mental health professional, such as a social worker, counselor, psychologists or psychiatrist.
Step 1
Consult with his physician or psychiatrist. As his therapist, it is important that you discuss his aggressive and violent behaviors with the physician or psychiatrist you work with. Inquire about incorporating the use of medication into the treatment plan. If medication is prescribed, remain in contact with the physician or psychiatrist to discuss how the medication is working. Your observations will help her determine whether or not the dosage is too high or too low. Also, pay attention to side effects; bring any to her attention.
Step 2
Discuss with your client that you will involve law enforcement if her behaviors become violent or aggressive. If you client is a child, encourage caregivers to call the police whenever the child becomes violent or aggressive. If you client is an adult, encourage those people who are close to her to call the police whenever she becomes violent or aggressive. Have them ask the police to take the child to the emergency room to be admitted for a psychological evaluation. Provide the caregivers, family or friends with a letter they can give to the police outlining her treatment plan, your contact information and justification as to why they need to escort your client to the hospital at this time.
Step 3
Determine if inpatient treatment is necessary. When a client engages in violent or aggressive behaviors, it might not be safe for him to interact with the public unrestricted; therefore, inpatient treatment might be necessary. Many times, children live in a residential treatment facility for six months at a time where they undergo intensive treatment that may include individual therapy, medication management and family therapy. Also, your client may need to spend time getting treated in a hospital psychiatric unit to get him on the correct medications and dosages.
Step 4
Be aware of homicidal behaviors. If a client with a past history of violent behaviors informs you that she wants to kill or harm another individual, it is your duty to warn that individual. Make your client aware from the start of treatment that everything is confidential unless she tells you she wants to harm herself or someone else. If she becomes homicidal, take action immediately. Make sure that you are safe. Get law enforcement involved. Inform any person(s) that your client has threatened to harm.
Step 5
Engage in behavior therapy. According to NAMI, behavior therapy will allow you to teach your client how to engage in positive behaviors by rewarding and reinforcing theses types of behaviors when they occur.
Step 6
Teach social skills. Many people with ADHD do not have the skills to interact appropriately with other people, which makes them frustrated and increases the risk of violent behaviors. The Mayo Clinic reports that social skills training can be beneficial to people with ADHD. Practice and repeat the correct ways of handling situations and interacting with others.
