Who Can Diagnose Adult ADHD? Understanding the Process and Providers
By Dr. Adam Creasy, EdPsyched
Over the past few years, I have received an increasing number of inquiries and referrals for adults looking for ADHD evaluation. While their backgrounds and histories are all unique, there also share common concerns. Typically, adults in these situations report some of the following:
Difficulty with task management at work or home
Inability to focus for long periods of time
Jumping from one hobby to another
Procrastination in daily and work-related tasks
Racing thoughts
Additionally, many adults report elevated anxiety that is often associated with their attention difficulties.
While ADHD is commonly diagnosed during childhood, for various reasons, many adults I work with never pursued evaluation as children. Often times, they or their parents simply did not have an understanding of ADHD, so they typically went undiagnosed. However, as adults, symptoms can become more problematic, as work, family, and everyday life presents significant challenges that impact one’s ability to function successfully in these areas.
And this may all lead you to wonder:
I think I have ADHD, my wife thinks I have it . . . now what?
If you have asked yourself this question, then you are probably a good candidate for an evaluation. When considering ADHD evaluation, there are a few different options.
Option 1: Primary Care Physician
The first resource most adults consider is their primary care physician (PCP) or family doctor. While PCPs are certainly qualified to diagnosis ADHD, their “evaluations” are typically pretty minimal. Often times, the evaluation consists of a few questions and a basic checklist of symptoms. Not surprisingly, these evaluations can easily mis- diagnose. And in the context of treatment, mis-diagnosis is not a good thing.
Additionally, over the last few years, I have seen more and more PCPs refer their patients to outside evaluators who specialize in ADHD assessment. And more and more PCPs seem reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication without a formal evaluation. In my experience, if you consult your PCP, you will likely be referred to another clinician who specializes in ADHD evaluation.
Option 2: Psychiatrist
Many people get confused on the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Simply put, psychiatrists can prescribe medication while psychologists cannot. Similar to psychologists, psychiatrists are also qualified to administer comprehensive evaluations, including those for ADHD. However, a lot of the psychiatrists I work with do not offer evaluations and instead focus on medication management.
Another factor when considering a psychiatric evaluation is that psychiatrists tend to be more expensive and have less availability since they are a highly specialized profession. In some instances, particularly those involving complex mental health conditions, consulting a psychiatrist is the best first step. However, for the majority of adults with suspected ADHD, consulting a psychiatrist is probably a more intensive and costly option than necessary.
Option 3: Psychologist
As noted above, psychologists do not prescribe or work with medication. Rather, psychologists provide evaluations and/or therapeutic services. For adults with suspected ADHD, I highly recommend consulting a psychologist who focuses solely on evaluation. These psychologists typically possess a thorough understanding and ability to detect mental health conditions, including ADHD. A good psychologist can also confirm or rule out co-related conditions such as anxiety and depression.
While psychologists are trained to diagnose, often times they do not provide treatment. After receiving a diagnosis from a psychologist, the patient will typically be referred for treatment. This may include referrals for medication management, therapy, or executive function coaching. However, a caring psychologist should continue to work with you to ensure you have a comprehensive treatment plan in place.
As you can see, there are several options when considering evaluation and diagnosis of adult ADHD. While the process can be confusing and overwhelming, identifying the right evaluation option will make your treatment plan a success. If you are experiencing any symptoms of ADHD, I highly recommend you consult a skilled evaluator who specializes in assessment for ADHD.
Dr. Adam Creasy specializes in evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. You
can learn more about his services by visiting his website: www.edpsyched.com