Why You Might Not Be Getting the Best ADHD Care From Your Primary Physician 

It's no secret that primary care physicians are stretched thin. They have so many patients to see and not enough time to give each one the individualized attention they deserve. When you have a complex condition like ADHD, this can be especially problematic. Here are some reasons why your primary care physician might not be able to give you the best possible care for your ADHD.

They Might Not Have Had the Most Up-To-Date Training

ADHD is a complex condition that requires specialized training to understand fully. Unfortunately, primary care physicians often receive little to no training on ADHD during their medical schooling. As a result, they might not be as up-to-date on the latest research and treatments as a specialist would be.

They Can't Treat ADHD With Medication Alone

One of the most common misconceptions about ADHD is that it can be treated with medication alone. It is simply not true. ADHD affects every aspect of your life, from work and school to relationships and self-esteem. To effectively treat ADHD, you need a comprehensive approach that addresses all of these areas.

They Don't Make Money By Spending Time With You

Sadly, our healthcare system is set up to incentivize primary care physicians to see more patients in less time. They don't have the financial incentive to spend more time with each patient. In contrast, specialists make money by providing more prolonged, in-depth appointments because they're usually paid per session rather than per patient.

Your Other Issues Take Priority for Them

Primary care physicians have to juggle many different balls—preventive screenings, blood pressure checks, cholesterol management, etc. In comparison, dealing with your ADHD might not seem as pressing to them. Of course, this doesn't mean that they don't care about your mental health—it's just that other physical issues take precedence.

Conclusion

Suppose you're not getting the kind of care you need for your ADHD from your primary physician. In that case, it's not necessarily because they don't want to help you—it could be because they're too overwhelmed and overworked to give you the individualized attention you deserve. While I can't speak for other providers, I can assure you that I would look forward to working with your primary care physician to give you the best care. After all, when it comes to something as important as your health, you deserve nothing but the best.