The BBC have published an unusually sensible article (for the British media, they usually prefer parent-blaming, anti-psychiatry, unscientific, biggotted, stigmatising rhetoric when it comes to ADHD) about the lack of treatment for adult ADHD in the UK.
A while back I talked to a psychiatrist (a really nice one actually, who I get on extremely well with) about an adult client of mine who I was convinced had ADHD...no kidding, this person could not sit still, concentrate, fiddled and fidgetted...classic symptoms, and they were having an enormous impact on their day to day life.
So I called the psychiatrist who was involved with the person and asked if he minded if I did an adult ADHD screening test and whether he'd be willing to accept a referral for adult ADHD.
"Yes," he said, "and that client almost certainly has ADHD, their younger siblings certainly do."
"Oh great," I said, "so I will go ahead."
"There is little point," said the psychiatrist, "its pretty evident this is an organic condition for this person, but as they weren't treated with stimulant drugs as a child, we aren't able to prescribe them in adulthood."
"WHAT?!" I said, "that is madness! I cannot imagine the potential improvements in this client's life if some of these symptoms were under more control. I am fairly certain that a high proportion of their current problems are due to ADHD, and medication might well be hugely beneficial."
"Oh yes, "said the psychiatrist, "I quite agree. It is madness, but it is also policy."
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5 comments:
Try massive doses of strong coffee. I would add, that in England, one would have to have the fellow buy a coffee grinder, as the coffee grounds in England are ground to fine... more on this latter, must run, but just a note to say, coffee is my ritalin.
Bouncing off the walls until I get my coffee!
lor
Policy dictates that I can't tell them that either! ;)
Information on the attention deficit disorders and treatments, for children and adults with ADD test,ADD & ADHD suggestions.ADD Friendly Systems
I just wish that there will be a treatment that can really cure ADHD. Your post is very interesting and informative as well. I will keep visiting your blog more often.
Food intake is a great factor in worsening or in medication of a patient who has ADHD. ADHD is a disorder that usually occurs while the person is still young. It is important to deal with it as early as possible in order not to worsen the problem. There's a right diet for children with ADHD to be followed to help the patient recover with this dilemma and that is what this article intended for.
ADHD Diet for Children
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