Why Medications Alone Are Often Not Enough for Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD
Many of the patients I work with come in already having tried one or several medications for depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
Some have had partial improvement.
Some felt no change or worse.
And some say, “I don’t feel like myself.”
In many cases, they’re right—something is missing.
I work with patients across Colorado who are navigating ADHD, anxiety, and depression and are looking for a more individualized approach.
When treatment focuses only on symptoms
In traditional psychiatry, treatment often involves identifying symptoms, matching them to a diagnosis, and then selecting a medication.
This can be helpful—especially in acute situations.
But over time, many patients notice that this approach doesn’t fully resolve how they feel.
Because two people with depression, anxiety, or ADHD can have completely different underlying contributors.
What often gets missed
In my clinical work, I often see contributing factors such as:
Chronic stress keeps the nervous system in a constant state of activation
Nutrient depletion (such as magnesium or B vitamins), which can affect mood and focus
Sleep disruption impacts emotional regulation, energy, and attention
Hormonal or metabolic imbalances
These factors directly influence how the brain and body function.
Why this matters
If these underlying factors are not addressed, treatment may only provide partial relief.
This is often when people feel:
“It helps, but I still can’t focus.”
“My anxiety is better, but I’m still overwhelmed.”
What this looks like in practice
During an initial psychiatric appointment, we take time to understand the full picture—not just symptoms. This includes your history, current concerns, and contributing factors such as sleep, stress, and overall health.
The goal is not just to assign a diagnosis, but to understand what may be driving your symptoms and begin building a treatment plan that is tailored to you.
A more individualized approach
In my practice, I take a step back and ask:
What is driving these symptoms in this person?
That may include:
Looking at stress patterns and nervous system load
Evaluating sleep
Using lab work when appropriate
Supporting the body more comprehensively
Medications can be part of the plan—but they are not the entire plan.
If you’ve tried medications for depression, anxiety, or ADHD and feel like something is still missing, it doesn’t mean treatment has failed.
It may simply mean your care needs to go deeper—and be tailored to you.
If this perspective resonates, you’re welcome to reach out through my website and learn more about how I approach care.
Common Questions
Patients often ask what this approach looks like in practice and what to expect when starting care.
During your first appointment, we review your history, current symptoms, and contributing factors such as sleep, stress, and overall health to better understand what may be driving your symptoms.
I offer both in-person and telepsychiatry appointments, depending on your preferences and needs, and work with individuals across Loveland, Fort Collins, Johnstown, and Northern Colorado.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing ADHD, anxiety, and depression, with a focus on identifying and addressing underlying contributors rather than only managing symptoms.
Integrative psychiatry is an approach that looks beyond symptoms and considers biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors to better understand and support mental health.
