Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - How many of you have been diagnosed with ADHD

NYCSkin · 08-16-2009, 03:59 AM

Interesting stories here. Thanks to those who have shared some powerful personal stories...

As medical conditions become better understood and defined--this can lead to the perception that the condition is being "overdiagnosed". I don't entirely feel that docs are at fault when they follow currently understood diagnostic criteria. I think the issue here is how a doc manages the diagnosis. And this is where it gets muddy as conservative management of diseases is unfortunately not the norm. The medical industry is pro prescription of meds--since this is tied into reimbursement and paradoxically a protection from litigation. For that matter, patients are also (unfortunately) mostly pro prescription of meds--instead of managing their conditions in other ways.

I am a parent of child whom I believe has ADHD. I have no plans to have her take meds since I think she can function fine without them with conservative management. However, I do think there are many cases where prescribed medications are needed and justified.

And full disclosure--I am a physician and have also worked in the pharma industry...

08-16-2009, 03:59 AM	#55
NYCSkin Impact Rookie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Age: 54 Posts: 513	Re: How many of you have been diagnosed with ADHD Interesting stories here. Thanks to those who have shared some powerful personal stories... As medical conditions become better understood and defined--this can lead to the perception that the condition is being "overdiagnosed". I don't entirely feel that docs are at fault when they follow currently understood diagnostic criteria. I think the issue here is how a doc manages the diagnosis. And this is where it gets muddy as conservative management of diseases is unfortunately not the norm. The medical industry is pro prescription of meds--since this is tied into reimbursement and paradoxically a protection from litigation. For that matter, patients are also (unfortunately) mostly pro prescription of meds--instead of managing their conditions in other ways. I am a parent of child whom I believe has ADHD. I have no plans to have her take meds since I think she can function fine without them with conservative management. However, I do think there are many cases where prescribed medications are needed and justified. And full disclosure--I am a physician and have also worked in the pharma industry...