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Is Diagnosing ADHD in Primary Care Increasing Overdiagnosis Risk? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

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. 

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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.  

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Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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