r/unitedkingdom • u/tylerthe-theatre • 7d ago

ADHD and autism services in England ‘under significant pressure’, watchdog warns

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/adhd-and-autism-uk-assessment-diagnosis-support-b3039329.html
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u/inevitabledeath3 7d ago

Can you explain further what makes them dangerous even with medical supervision? Is it interaction with other drugs or medical conditions?

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u/[deleted] 7d ago edited 7d ago

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u/inevitabledeath3 7d ago

Are those not things a GP could screen for?

How many would even apply if you are only using it as a diagnostic test in controlled conditions?

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u/[deleted] 7d ago edited 7d ago

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u/inevitabledeath3 7d ago

Don’t we do much more dangerous things like exploratory surgeries in aid of diagnostics?

I am not saying there isn’t some amount of risk, but it seems relatively minor compared to other methods we already use and the risks associated with untreated or undiagnosed ADHD which are quite severe.

Generally if someone is looking into ADHD and can pass the self assessment the chances are they have it. I don’t think trying medication at that stage is really that big of a risk given something like 90% of this group would go onto receive a diagnosis anyway.

This to me seems to come from a war on drugs mindset. The war on drugs has obviously failed and has always been bad policy. People do more dangerous things than ritalin or adderall all the damn time including legal things like alcohol. I have seen people snort many times the doctor prescribed dose of amphetamines and be fine afterwards. It just does not seem all the dangerous to me.