‘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

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.