How important are conceptual boundaries?

Recently, a couple of interesting items about autism were posted. One was a NYT podcast, and the other was an opinion piece in STAT. Specifically, the unintended consequences of the movement from a categorical diagnostic model (Autistic Disorder and Asperger's Disorder) to a spectrum model (Autism Spectrum Disorder, aka ASD). https://youtu.be/eSwJmsHGrns?si=osfA8RHxkJ38lf2X In the NY Times … Continue reading How important are conceptual boundaries?

Medication: The smart-pill oversell

Given the simultaneous explosion in ADHD diagnosis, prescribed use of stimulants and non-medical use of stimulants, maybe it's time to look at the cost/benefit ratio. We'll it's clear that the benefits aren't all that. What to make of it? Researchers are beginning to address this paradox. How can medication that makes children sit still and … Continue reading Medication: The smart-pill oversell

Could ADHD Meds Promote Future Cocaine Use?

  Boston University recently posted a series on their own addiction research. One examined whether there is a relationship between taking ADHD meds and future cocaine use.   The results of Kantak’s research could present a dual cautionary tale for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. “If they’re an adolescent getting a stimulant medication, and they’re properly … Continue reading Could ADHD Meds Promote Future Cocaine Use?

Diagnosing ADHD in detox?

Unreal. Someone's got an awful lot of faith in their diagnostic skills. Diagnosing ADHD with addicts in a detox unit? Really? And, now that it's published, it's "evidence". Rates of undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in London drug and alcohol detoxification units Background ADHD is a common childhood onset mental health disorder that persists into … Continue reading Diagnosing ADHD in detox?

ADHD overdiagnosed

A recent study look at diagnostic reliability of ADHD: RESULTS: Many mental health practitioners seem to proceed heuristically and base their decisions on unclear rules of thumb. The respondents more readily diagnosed ADHD when the case involved a male patient and presented prototypical symptoms, such as impulsiveness, motoric restlessness, and lack of concentration. They were, … Continue reading ADHD overdiagnosed