An article published in the British Medical Journal has argued that there is mounting evidence that medicine and early detection is harming healthy individuals.
Overdiagnosis is referring to an occasion when a person without symptoms is diagnosed and treated for a condition, including mental health conditions, which will cause them no harm. The article includes individuals diagnosed with ADHD as an example of overdiagnosis. One example the article provides of overdiagnosis of ADHD is that boys born in December had a 30% higher chance of diagnosis than those born in January. Overdiagnosis creates the negative effects of unnecessary labelling, the possible harms of unneeded treatment and the cost of wasted resources. Therefore it is essential that an assessment is made by physicians who are experienced in the field of ADHD.
At the Learning Assessment and Neurocare Centre, we conduct a holistic assessment process. This approach includes a very comprehensive assessment to ensure that overdiagnosis does not occur. During a clinical consultation with one of our specialists, a detailed account of the individual’s childhood and developmental milestones will be discussed in addition to school feedback.
Furthermore, our assessment includes a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) which measures brain activity, allowing the identification of the profile of brain activity in an individual. It is well reported that the brain activity profiles of people with symptoms of ADHD, and associated disorders, differ to those of people who do not experience the symptoms, and as such it is possible to provide a physiological explanation for their behaviour and cognitive difficulties. When the brain activity profile is considered along with the usual clinical symptoms, cognitive tests, and questionnaire reports, the Consultant Paediatrician can be more confident in making an accurate diagnosis where appropriate.
