FDA approves a brain wave TEST for ADHD
OMG– this is BIG
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm360811.htm
Yesterday the FDA approved the first (of probably many) brain wave tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD in children (of COURSE it’s all about children first!).
The new, non-invasive testing (which takes about 20 minutes) is to be used in conjunction with traditional clinical assessment. It does not replace the all-important clinical intake and assessment of symptoms.
The Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System is based on a regular EEG (electroencephalogram) and will contrast theta and beta waves of ADHD children up to age 17 with those of normal baseline results. “The theta/beta ratio has been shown to be higher in children and adolescents with ADHD than in children without it,” according to the FDA press release.
This is a giant leap forward. It is exactly what the NIMH (National Institutes of Mental Health) wanted instead of the symptom-based categories of the new DSM V- the diagnostic standard for US psychologists and physicians. The NIMH said we need more evidenced based criteria for diagnoses instead of subjective symptom reporting.
All in all, a good day for ADHD – take that cynics who pooh-pooh the diagnosis. And yay for some kind of standardized testing of ADHD – a boost for those of use filing insurance claims, fighting family ridicule and trying to get accommodations at work.
OK. When do the adults get to jump into this NEBA testing? Soon, I hope. But a 2009 study showed differences in EEG patterns among adults with ADHD compared to children with ADHD. The interpretation of results from the NEBA would likely be adjusted for adults, but that’s another post. At least today let’s cheer on the FDA for allowing some kind of measurable testing …or is this a bad thing? Will some people with ADHD diagnoses be outside the ADHD limits of the NEBA ? Ah, too early to tell. Stay tuned.
*http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-008-0157-x#page-1
[polldaddy poll=2171815]
This is very interesting as twice I have had EEG’s to determine whether or not I had a mild form of epilepsy. I was first diagnosed after having several episodes of fainting after extreme stress. These episodes took place over 20+ years. I was in my early 30’s after the birth of my second child when my doctor ordered more testing. I was put on Dilantin for 12 years. Then in 1986, during the time I spent 12 days in the hospital for depression; I was retested. This time the report determined no epilepsy. Obviously, I have had high levels of stress most of my life with periods very high stress when major events occurred.
I was diagnosed with ADHD in Feb 2005–a year after my husband died from stomach cancer. I heard Ned Hallowell discussing his latest book, Delivered from Distraction, on a radio interview. Finally, I got answers to what had caused much of my distress over my life. Yes, I still have some depression issues; however, I believe that knowing that I had a “race car brain with bicycle brakes” (Dr Hallowell’s words) 40 or more years ago would have reduced much of my anxiety and depression.
I actually met Dr Hallowell last month at the ADDA convention. I told him that he was my life saver! Today with support from Linda and new information coming out almost daily; I hope that other ‘girls’ with get diagnosed with ADHD in a much more timely manner!
My two boys and I all went through this type of diagnosis and treatment with an organization in Michigan called Neurocore. A year later, we are all three still off meds and doing wonderfully. I wouldn’t be surprised for this type of treatment to become the norm soon. Oh, and our insurance covered 50%!
WOW!! With measurable differences in brain structure and function, not only will the diagnosis be taken more seriously, but we may be able to get more specific with how we work with our differences. I’m so excited about this announcement, I can barely sit still. Of course, I have ADHD, so I’m generally so excited about life that I can barely sit still, but you know what I mean.