Should I get a professional diagnosis?

Whenever I'm asked if an official diagnosis of ADHD is necessary, my answer is always: "No ... but also yes." While I firmly believe the treatment of ADHD begins with self-realization long before you ever consult with a medical provider, I do feel an official diagnosis can be helpful in a few important ways:

Why get yourself a professional diagnosis?

  • It can help you feel validated when a professional confirms what you've been suspecting.

  • It opens up the option of medication, if that’s the route you want to take.

  • It's also necessary for IEPs or accommodations.

But a professional diagnosis is not mandatory. Medication is not compulsory. This isn’t a disease.

Who can diagnose me?

Many women I meet with don't even know where to start with receiving an ADHD diagnosis. While the full list of requirements may vary based on your location, in general, any medical doctor can diagnose you with ADHD and prescribe medication.

This includes:

  • Your primary care physician

  • A psychiatrist

  • A neurologist

  • A pediatrician

Other professionals who can diagnose but cannot prescribe:

  • A psychologist

  • A Master-level mental health counselor (eg. LMHC, LMFT)

  • A social worker (MSW, LCSW, MFT, LMHC, etc.)

Usually, the most affordable place to start will be with your primary care physician. If your doctor has limited experience with ADHD and is not comfortable with diagnosing, they can refer you to a specialist.

Who can prescribe ADHD medication?

While medication may not be your goal, and may not be part of your treatment plan, it's good to know which types of providers are able to prescribe meds if you go that route now or in the future.

This varies by location as well. Specifically in the United States, ADHD medications are considered controlled substances, so only medical doctors (primary care physicians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists) can prescribe these. Typically, therapists and psychologists do not write prescriptions.

(Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) has a helpful list of places to start if you're ready to seek an official diagnosis.)

Remember:

If you’re discouraged and facing hurdles to getting a diagnosis, please trust your gut and do your own research. A lot of the “treatment” of ADHD involves simply understanding your brain, how it works, and realizing you’re not just crazy, lazy, or inadequate, but you do things differently, and THAT’S OK.

I’ve lost count of the number of women who’ve said, “My doctor doesn’t think it’s ADHD. Now what?”

Until ADHD in women is better understood within the wider medical community, you might get denied a diagnosis. My advice? If you relate strongly to the literature and information, then trust yourself above all. Seek a second opinion and keep advocating.