Principium Psychiatry flags missed adult ADHD as burnout cases rise

By AI, Created 10:15 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Principium Psychiatry says undiagnosed adult ADHD is driving burnout, anxiety and missed care for many adults, with women especially likely to be overlooked. The Santa Monica practice is also pointing to low-dose ketamine as clinicians look for more individualized options for patients who have not responded to traditional treatment.

Why it matters: - Undiagnosed adult ADHD can look like burnout, depression or anxiety, which can delay the right diagnosis and prolong suffering. - Missing the underlying condition can leave adults treating the wrong problem and struggling at work and at home. - Principium Psychiatry says the issue is part of a broader shift toward more personalized mental health care.

What happened: - Principium Psychiatry, based in Santa Monica, California, highlighted the growing recognition of adult ADHD and the number of adults whose symptoms remain undiagnosed, misunderstood or untreated. - Dr. Ziv E. Cohen, founder and medical director of Principium Psychiatry, said many adults arrive describing burnout, disorganization or depression without realizing ADHD may be driving the symptoms. - The practice said clinicians are increasingly exploring low-dose ketamine as part of broader treatment plans for severe ADHD cases.

The details: - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 15.5 million U.S. adults had a current ADHD diagnosis in 2023, or about 6.0% of the adult population. - More than half of those adults received the diagnosis in adulthood. - Roughly 36.5% of diagnosed adults were not receiving any treatment. - The American Psychiatric Association has highlighted newer research suggesting many adults remain undiagnosed. - Women are especially likely to be missed because symptoms can be less overt and mistaken for stress, anxiety or mood disorders. - Federal guidance continues to identify medication and behavioral interventions as core ADHD treatments, with psychotherapy supporting structure and self-regulation. - Principium Psychiatry said its clinicians are seeing more interest in interventional approaches, including low-dose ketamine, as part of individualized care. - Dr. Cohen said low-dose ketamine has shown meaningful effectiveness for some patients who have not responded to traditional approaches. - Principium Psychiatry was founded by Dr. Cohen and provides psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, ketamine therapy and other advanced interventions. - The practice has locations in New York, California, Connecticut and Florida. - Principium Psychiatry says it serves a diverse patient population through personalized, evidence-based care. - More information is available on Principium Psychiatry’s website.

Between the lines: - The release frames adult ADHD as a mental health issue that can shape daily functioning well into adulthood, not just a childhood diagnosis. - The emphasis on ketamine suggests a push to widen treatment options for patients who have not found relief through standard care. - The focus on women reflects a common diagnostic gap in mental health, where less obvious symptoms can be mislabeled for years.

What’s next: - Principium Psychiatry expects adult ADHD to stay more visible in 2026 as clinicians and patients look harder for underlying causes of burnout and mood symptoms. - The practice signaled continued use of a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to identify missed conditions and improve outcomes. - Broader adoption of individualized treatment models could expand the role of interventional therapies like ketamine in psychiatric care.

The bottom line: - Principium Psychiatry sees undiagnosed adult ADHD as a major driver of burnout and missed care, and it wants more personalized treatment to catch the condition earlier and treat it more effectively.