In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, we discuss challenges and disparities in treating adult ADHD during the pandemic.
MD Newsline:
What are the biggest challenges that psychiatrists treating adult ADHD are tasked with in the wake of the pandemic?
Dr. Sasha Hamdani:
“During the pandemic, there was a newfound interest in ADHD evaluation and treatment. So, information about ADHD skyrocketed, which was great for reducing stigma, but it’s been difficult to counteract the misinformation that has grown.
This misinformation can often influence a patient’s perception of their symptoms and be at odds with what we’re seeing as psychiatrists. And so, it’s been more challenging as of late to correctly diagnose ADHD or provide patients with an alternative diagnosis that they can accept.”
MD Newsline:
Do you think adult ADHD disparities have worsened during the pandemic?
Dr. Sasha Hamdani:
“No, I don’t think adult ADHD disparities have worsened during the pandemic. I think a couple of things have changed. More people are recognizing that they have ADHD and that they lack adequate access to care. I’m not sure if gender and socioeconomic gaps in care for ADHD have worsened. Mostly what we’re seeing right now is a giant surge in people getting evaluated for adult ADHD.”
Responses have been condensed and lightly edited.
