The healthcare gap between rural and urban patients is finally beginning to close. Remote technology like video conferencing can help patients connect with doctors all over the country, and doctors can use the Internet of Things (IoT) to assess patients’ biometrics remotely.
Despite these recent advancements, the disparity between rural and urban healthcare is significant. The age-adjusted death rate in rural areas is 7% higher than in urban areas and folks who live in a rural area are more likely to report their health as “fair” or “poor” than urban respondents.
Rural areas have a lower representation of physicians and surgeons, too. Only 8% of all physicians and surgeons choose to work in a rural setting. This may mean that rural individuals with ADHD struggle to find the specialized healthcare they need.
Fortunately, recent changes to legislation mean that some rural individuals have a better chance of finding the right healthcare professional for their ADHD.
Limited Accessibility
Limited accessibility puts rural populations at greater risk of undiagnosed and/or chronic conditions. Additionally, rural healthcare disparities mean that folks who live in rural areas are more likely to
- Smoke;
- Drink alcohol;
- Engage in risky behaviors;
- Be obese;
- Face physical limitations.
The behavioral disparities that exist between urban and rural populations are largely due to environmental factors. Folks who live in food deserts struggle to eat healthy foods and, similarly, those who live a great distance from the doctor's office are less likely to get check-ups. These disparities may exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make life difficult for folks who need extra support.
Children in rural areas are also particularly at risk. Children with mental, developmental, behavioral, or disorders face greater challenges in their family lives than their urban peers. Even though ADHD is more prevalent in rural populations, children who have ADHD are less likely to get diagnosed and receive the care they need if they live rurally.
Getting Diagnosed
Getting diagnosed is an important step towards seeking out the specialized healthcare treatment that folks with ADD/ADHD need. For generations, rural folks have had to make do with infrequent doctor appointments and underdiagnoses. Fortunately, steps are being taken to close the care gap and ensure that rural individuals get diagnosed with ADHD.
The recent decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act means that funding rural patients may receive increasingly affordable care. Additionally, spaces like religious centers and community areas are being used instead of primary care providers to give patients access to the care they need in their area.
Remote Care Options
Thanks to the aforementioned telehealth technology and legislation, rural patients can meet remotely with doctors and therapists to discuss their symptoms, get diagnosed, and track their progress.
Telehealth is particularly useful for folks who don’t have access to reliable transport. As long as patients have a stable Wi-Fi connection, they can meet with primary care providers and mental health services. This can even occur across state lines. Recent changes to legislation mean that some patients can benefit from interstate compacts and connect with care providers from across the nation.
Connecting with the right licensed healthcare provider is particularly important for folks who haven’t yet found the right care for them. Folks with ADHD/ADD can search via Psypact directories to find therapists and psychiatrists that are right for them and their particular needs.
Finding the Right Care
When looking for healthcare, folks who have been diagnosed with ADHD have plenty of options. However, choosing the right healthcare provider can be difficult when living rurally, as patients can choose between hundreds of telehealth providers.
Rural individuals can narrow their search by understanding the different types of therapy available to them. Most ADHD patients see a psychiatrist to help them negotiate their symptoms as psychiatrists can diagnose patients and prescribe medicine.
Rural patients may also connect with a psychologist during their treatment. Reaching out to a qualified psychologist is particularly useful for patients who suspect they have ADHD and other conditions like depression. Psychologists can offer to counsel and can help folks understand the relationship between ADHD and depression, or help differentiate the differences between anxiety and ADD.
Some rural individuals may even find support in the form of art or music therapy. Music therapy may be hard to find in rural areas, but patients can use telehealth services to find a music therapist who lives elsewhere. Art or music therapy helps people untangle their thought processes through artistic expression and exploration.
Conclusion
With the help of healthcare professionals from all across the nation, individuals with ADD/ADHD may receive a wide array of care if only they have the wherewithal to find it. Although stigma may remain for receiving mental healthcare within rural areas, providing more access can help remove this stigma and help individuals lead healthier, more fruitful lives.
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