'When my diagnosis of ADHD was removed it was a relief ' - Sunday Times article, 2nd August

[Fromhere1]

There was a very interesting article in the Sunday Times yesterday - titled 'When my diagnosis of ADHD was removed it was a relief' and it talked about 'the disabling effect' a label can have and how a Swedish study found that on re-evaluation a high number of adults no longer met the criteria for their previously diagnosed condition. It talked about the concept of de-diagnosing.

Did anyone see this article and have any thoughts on it?

I know people might say the child has grown up and found ways of coping with the condition but could it be that the inability to concentrate, impulsive behaviours, hyperactivity, etc were related to transient or external circumstances at the time of diagnosis? I don't know the answer but think it's an interesting conversation.

It is possible for ADHD symptoms to improve as children develop and it’s also possible for them to learn to function in a way that means their symptoms are less disabling. It’s one of the arguments for intervention, including medication where appropriate, in young children. If a child is able to focus at school, the resulting learning will be better, if they can sit still they may develop better habits etc.

That said, there will always be people diagnosed wrongly - and not all diagnostic services provide good quality assessments. However, my reading of the article was that its purpose was to drive predictable below the line comments.

If someone’s symptoms have improved and they can function better, is that actually a problem requiring de-diagnosis, or would most adults be getting on with their lives. I would suggest it’s journalism for clicks.

I do often wonder if some behavioural diagnoses can feed Self Fulfilling Prophecy.

Almost like reading your Astrological personality profile, and then thinking “yes that’s so me!” and subconsciously behaving in ways that align with what you’ve been told…

(And I say this as someone who is diagnosed ADHD and enjoys reading their horoscope!)

Yes, it is possible but can only be accurately observed when sometime is passed after de-diagnosis to observe the new symptoms or behaviors.

It’s a really interesting point. I suppose reassessment matters, as symptoms can change over time or may have been linked to other difficulties at the time.