​ADHD specialists are professionals who diagnose and treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The specialist may be a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a neurologist.
 
Though all of these can diagnose and treat the disease, only licensed and qualified physicians such as a psychiatrist or neurologist can prescribe medication and perform physical evaluations to identify potential alternative causes of symptoms.
 
If you are seeking counseling, you can choose a psychiatrist, psychologist, or an expert therapist. If you need medications, then you will need to see a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD medications. A national 2016 parent survey revealed that about 6.1 million children were diagnosed with ADHD.
 
It is important to note that the problem may not end with the discovery and treatment of ADHD. You may need counseling sessions to change learned negative behaviors.

​-Obtains medical and family history
-Conducts or orders a neurological exam and/or a general physical
-A comprehensive interview with you and your child
-Use screening tools for ADHD
​-Observes child at school or play
​-Uses psychological tests to assess emotional and social behavior and to measure IQ

An ADHD specialist diagnoses ADHD in patients by identifying the following common symptoms of ADHD:
 
Common Inattention symptoms:

• Failing to give attention to detail and making frequent mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining attention while partaking in activities
• Failing to finish workplace duties or schoolwork
• Not able to listen when spoken with directly
• Difficulty organizing activities
• Avoids or is reluctant to engage in activities that demand mental effort
• Forgetful in day-to-day activities

 
Common Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms:

• Frequently taps feet and hands
• Leaves seat when seated is expected
• Unable to engage in leisure and recreational activities quietly
• Runs in situations where it is inappropriate
• Is always on the go
• Answers before someone complete the question
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Intrudes on or interrupts others
• Talks excessively

Follow these steps to find the best ADHD specialist for you or your child:

• Get recommendations: Your trustworthy therapists, doctors, and friends may refer you to a good specialist. Ask as many questions as you want about their recommendation and try them out.
• Do your homework: Research about professional certification and academic degrees of the recommended specialists. Have a conversation with former patients to find out their experience with the ADHD specialist.
• Be Comfortable: You must feel comfortable and open with the specialist. Be yourself and be honest with the specialist. 

​The specialist’s role
 
No laboratory or imaging tests unilaterally diagnose ADHD.  A thorough evaluation is needed to identify the correct diagnosis. Make sure you communicate with your physician openly and honestly. 

Your Family Psychiatrists is an In-person and Online Psychiatry Houston Area Office.