Who Can Diagnose ADHD?

A lot of parents have questions about who to consult when they suspect their child might have ADHD. Who can diagnose? Who can treat? What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Let's start with the last one first. A psychologist is a non-medical therapist or counselor. This person may have a Ph.D. and be called "Dr." but is not a physician.

A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a physician and can prescribe medications.

Let's talk about who can diagnose and what they can do.

Basically, five groups of people can diagnose ADHD.

To begin with, you might take your child to the pediatrician or family doctor. As a physician, he or she can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication if needed, but would not provide counseling or training for dealing with ADHD.

You might be referred to a psychiatrist. As mentioned, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatric issues. A psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD, prescribe ADHD medications if needed, and might provide ADHD counseling or training.

A psychologist can also diagnose ADHD, and often does. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but do provide counseling or training for ADHD clients.

Clinical social workers, like psychologists, can diagnose ADHD and provide counseling, but cannot prescribe medication.

Neurologists may be the least common doctors seen for ADHD. They can diagnose and prescribe, but do not provide counseling or training.

In the end, it comes down to who you're most comfortable with. Certainly it makes sense to begin with your child's pediatrician and ask for a referral to a specialist who deals with ADHD if necessary.