The New York Times Magazine article, Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? by Paul Tough (April 13, 2025), dives into the complexities of ADHD and highlights the dominant role stimulant medications like amphetamines play in treatment. The article outlines their effectiveness for core symptoms—such as inattention and hyperactivity—while also raising concerns about overdiagnosis, long-term effects, and the societal forces behind rising prescription rates.
At Psychiatry Redefined, we’re encouraged to see mainstream attention on ADHD, a condition that remains widely misunderstood. However, the article presents a limited view by focusing largely on pharmaceutical treatments and failing to acknowledge the proven value of integrative and functional psychiatry.
ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. No two children—or adults—are alike. While stimulant medications can be effective, the key is knowing when/if medicine will be necessary, and understanding which medication works best and for whom. That requires thorough testing and a personalized approach, something that’s still missing from most standard care models.
Functional and integrative psychiatry offers a broader, evidence-based approach—one that considers nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, environmental triggers, and genetic factors. These insights can help tailor safer, more precise care and support real, root-cause recovery.
The question is: When will our field shift from one-size-fits-all prescribing to a truly whole-person model of care?
Families and individuals are already seeking more personalized options, often with better outcomes than the conventional medicine-first model. Imagine if every ADHD treatment plan started with lab testing, lifestyle review, and metabolic assessment. That’s the future of mental health—and it’s already here.
At Psychiatry Redefined, we train clinicians to treat the whole person, not just manage symptoms. Our trainings provide the tools to identify underlying contributors to ADHD, and the guidance in creating individualized, integrative treatment plans that work. We applaud clinicians who are committed to broadening their education and seeking new tools to help patients find root-cause diagnoses and recovery.
We’d love to talk if you’re ready to move beyond conventional care and toward a more precise, holistic model. Schedule a 1:1 call to explore how our trainings in functional and integrative medicine for mental health can help you better serve your patients—and be part of the next chapter in ADHD care.
The time is now. Our patients are counting on us.
