RJM62
Touchdown! Greaser!
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Geek on the Hill
Not approved by the FAA, but by the FDA. Here's the NYT article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/health/brain-test-to-diagnose-adhd-is-approved.html
I'm not a doctor, a neuropsychologist, nor even a particularly smart individual, but I've taken enough coursework in psychology and neuropsychology to at least have some questions and mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, I wonder whether the test's theoretical underpinnings are valid. The fact that certain "atypical" brain wave patterns seem more prevalent in kids diagnosed with ADHD doesn't convince me that they necessarily represent a "disorder." I suspect that Einstein probably had "atypical" brain wave patterns, too.
On the other hand, if the test is in fact valid, it could be very valuable in helping to stem the rampant abuse of the diagnosis that's been going on for decades. Existing tests are pretty accurate when performed properly by qualified clinicians, but they also are very expensive. A less-expensive, objective test could help reduce the number of kids whose futures we're needlessly medicating away.
Finally, if the test is valid, eventually gains some credibility, and is accepted by FAA, it may help simplify the process for aspiring airmen who need to debunk decades-old ADD / ADHD "diagnoses" by school counselors, social workers, and other unqualified individuals.
-Rich
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/health/brain-test-to-diagnose-adhd-is-approved.html
I'm not a doctor, a neuropsychologist, nor even a particularly smart individual, but I've taken enough coursework in psychology and neuropsychology to at least have some questions and mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, I wonder whether the test's theoretical underpinnings are valid. The fact that certain "atypical" brain wave patterns seem more prevalent in kids diagnosed with ADHD doesn't convince me that they necessarily represent a "disorder." I suspect that Einstein probably had "atypical" brain wave patterns, too.
On the other hand, if the test is in fact valid, it could be very valuable in helping to stem the rampant abuse of the diagnosis that's been going on for decades. Existing tests are pretty accurate when performed properly by qualified clinicians, but they also are very expensive. A less-expensive, objective test could help reduce the number of kids whose futures we're needlessly medicating away.
Finally, if the test is valid, eventually gains some credibility, and is accepted by FAA, it may help simplify the process for aspiring airmen who need to debunk decades-old ADD / ADHD "diagnoses" by school counselors, social workers, and other unqualified individuals.
-Rich