Is Diagnosing ADHD in Primary Care Increasing Overdiagnosis Risk? 

Yes, while accessible healthcare is vital, the rise in ADHD diagnosis in primary care settings may be contributing to overdiagnosis. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help with attention or behavioural concerns. But without specialised training or time for in-depth evaluations, GP diagnosis can sometimes lead to over-referral or premature labelling. 

Unlike specialist assessments, which involve multi-step evaluations and detailed histories, primary care consultations are typically brief. GPs often rely on screening practices such as checklists or parent/teacher reports, which are helpful tools but not definitive diagnostic instruments. This can result in ADHD being identified when the true issue might be stress, trauma, learning difficulties, or another condition. 

Why Primary Care Diagnoses Can Increase Overdiagnosis Risk 

Here’s how ADHD diagnosis in primary care can inadvertently inflate numbers: 

Time constraints  

Short appointment slots make thorough assessments difficult, increasing reliance on quick screenings. 

Limited ADHD training  

Most GPs aren’t specialists in neurodevelopmental disorders and may lack confidence in complex diagnostic decisions. 

Referral pressure  

GPs may refer to managing parental or school concerns, even when signs of ADHD are unclear or minimal. 

In conclusion, while primary care is essential in initiating support, it shouldn’t be the final step in diagnosis. Improving diagnostic pathways in primary care can reduce overdiagnosis and ensure the right people get the right support. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Overdiagnosis vs. Underdiagnosis in ADHD.