Can a Psychologist Diagnose ADHD?

If you're like many women we see at our practice, you may have spent years quietly wondering why daily tasks feel so difficult or why you struggle with organisation, even though you're constantly trying your best. Perhaps you've faced frequent feelings of overwhelm, frustration, or even shame, blaming yourself rather than realising these challenges could have a clear explanation: ADHD.

If you've ever asked yourself, "can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?" the straightforward answer is yes. Psychologists are not only fully qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults and children but are specially trained to help people just like you uncover the reasons behind lifelong struggles. In this article, we'll explore exactly how psychologists diagnose ADHD, how their role compares to psychiatrists and GPs, what to expect during a comprehensive ADHD assessment, and why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women.

By the end, you'll have clarity, reassurance, and a clear path forward.

Who Can Diagnose ADHD? Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs GP

When seeking an ADHD diagnosis, you have several options. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and some trained GPs all have distinct yet complementary roles in diagnosing ADHD.

Psychologists: Psychologists specialise in understanding human behaviour, emotions, and cognitive processes. When diagnosing ADHD, they conduct comprehensive evaluations, using interviews, questionnaires, cognitive testing, and observations. They don't prescribe medication, but they provide detailed insights into your ADHD and offer personalised strategies to manage it effectively.

Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who also diagnose ADHD but can additionally prescribe medication. Many clients choose to see a psychiatrist if medication could be beneficial, especially after a psychologist has confirmed the diagnosis.

General Practitioners (GPs): GPs are often the first healthcare professionals you speak to about your concerns. They provide initial screening and referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists. Recent changes in Australia now allow specially trained GPs to directly diagnose and manage straightforward ADHD cases, significantly improving access to care [1].

At our clinic, we've found that many women benefit most from a team-based approach, working closely with psychologists for emotional support and psychiatrists or GPs for medical treatments, if necessary.

For further information, you can explore our related blog on ADHD treatments and medication options.

ADHD Assessment: How Psychologists Diagnose ADHD

If you're considering an ADHD assessment, knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help you feel prepared. When clients ask us, "can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?" we reassure them by explaining the thorough and supportive process involved. At our practice, psychologists typically perform assessments that include:

Clinical Interviews: Our psychologists will gently guide you through questions about your history, exploring childhood experiences, academic life, work, relationships, and emotional health. These conversations help us identify lifelong patterns linked to ADHD.

Standardised Rating Scales: You will complete structured questionnaires, sometimes alongside family members or teachers, to measure the severity and frequency of your symptoms. These tools allow us to objectively compare your experiences against established criteria.

Cognitive and Psychological Testing: Depending on your unique circumstances, we may include tests of memory, attention, and executive functioning skills. These assessments identify specific cognitive patterns common in ADHD, helping tailor strategies specifically for you.

Observations and External Reports: Especially for children, input from teachers or classroom observations helps confirm whether symptoms occur across different environments. For adults, feedback from partners or colleagues provides similar confirmation.

Medical and Developmental History: We'll confirm if your symptoms were present before age 12, following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM 5, guidelines [2].

After this comprehensive evaluation, you'll receive a detailed report and compassionate feedback session. The goal is to replace confusion with clear answers, helping you move forward with confidence and hope.

ADHD Diagnosis in Adults vs Children

Although ADHD can affect people of all ages, diagnosing ADHD looks slightly different in adults versus children.

For adults, ADHD diagnosis involves confirming your history and symptoms going back to childhood. Adults commonly describe issues such as constant restlessness, procrastination, difficulty with organisation, and emotional sensitivity. It's important to know that studies show approximately 50 to 65 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood 3. This statistic emphasises why seeking diagnosis even in adulthood is so important.

For children, ADHD symptoms are usually more noticeable, such as hyperactivity, distractibility, impulsivity, or difficulty following instructions. Teachers and parents often recognise these behaviours first. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve academic, social, and emotional outcomes for children.

At our clinic, we understand these differences thoroughly and tailor our assessments to your unique situation, regardless of your age.

ADHD in Women: An Overlooked Diagnosis

Many women we speak to are surprised to learn ADHD might explain their lifelong struggles. ADHD, particularly in women, often goes unnoticed because symptoms frequently differ from those typically observed in boys. Girls and women with ADHD often display quieter, internalised symptoms, like forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, emotional overwhelm, or constant exhaustion. They rarely appear overtly hyperactive, making it easier for their struggles to be overlooked or dismissed as personality quirks.

Research consistently reveals significant diagnostic delays for women. For instance, a large Swedish population study found that women with ADHD were diagnosed on average 4 years later than men, even though they experienced symptoms of similar severity [4]. Additionally, approximately 2.5 percent of Australian adults have ADHD, but many remain undiagnosed, highlighting a substantial gap in recognising the condition in women [5].

If you've spent years feeling misunderstood or silently battling to keep up, discovering your ADHD can be incredibly validating. Many women at our practice describe diagnosis as a turning point that replaces lifelong shame and self-blame with newfound clarity and self-compassion.

For more detail, you can read our related blog: ADHD Symptoms in Women and Why They're Often Missed.

Types of Psychologists Who Can Diagnose ADHD

Different psychologists have specific skills that make them especially effective at diagnosing ADHD:

Clinical Psychologists: Experts in mental health, these psychologists specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions like ADHD. They provide detailed assessments, clear reports, and personalised therapy plans.

Neuropsychologists: Specialists who examine cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, and problem solving skills. They conduct extensive testing to pinpoint the exact nature of cognitive challenges associated with ADHD, enabling targeted treatment.

Educational Psychologists: Typically working within schools, these psychologists focus on identifying learning or behavioural challenges related to ADHD. They help develop educational strategies and accommodations, often collaborating closely with parents and teachers.

All these psychologists share the ability to provide accurate, compassionate ADHD assessments, guiding you towards the most effective support.

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FAQ: ADHD Diagnosis and Psychologists

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD in adults?

Yes. Clinical psychologists regularly diagnose ADHD in adults using structured interviews, standardised questionnaires, and cognitive assessments. Approximately 2.5 percent of Australian adults have ADHD, yet many remain undiagnosed [5]. A formal diagnosis can help adults access support, accommodations, and therapeutic strategies.

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD in a child, or is a psychiatrist needed?

Psychologists are fully qualified to diagnose ADHD in children. They work closely with families and teachers to confirm symptoms across multiple settings. Psychiatrists or paediatricians typically become involved if medication is considered following a psychologist’s diagnosis.

What does an ADHD assessment with a psychologist involve?

An ADHD assessment usually involves clinical interviews, rating scales, cognitive testing, observations, and reviewing developmental history. Psychologists provide clear feedback and detailed written reports that outline specific recommendations and strategies.

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist for ADHD, who should you see?

A psychologist is ideal if you seek comprehensive emotional and behavioural assessment and supportive strategies. If medication may be required, a psychiatrist can prescribe and manage this. Often, clients benefit most from seeing both professionals collaboratively.

Can psychologists prescribe ADHD medication?

No, psychologists in Australia cannot prescribe medication. Medication, when necessary, is managed by psychiatrists or GPs. Psychologists focus on detailed assessments, therapeutic strategies, and emotional support to manage ADHD effectively.

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If you've recognised yourself in these experiences, know you're not alone. Support is available. At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we specialise in helping women and adults understand their ADHD through comprehensive assessments, personalised strategies, and compassionate care.

To take the first step toward clarity, book your ADHD assessment or meet our psychologists specialising in ADHD.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional.

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References

[1] Tsirtsakis, A. (2025, May 26). GPs to play key role in ADHD care under landmark reforms. newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/gps-to-play-key-role-in-adhd-care-under-landmark-r

[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

[3] Cherkasova, M., et al. (2021). Persistence of ADHD symptoms from childhood into adulthood. Journal of Attention Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054719847480 

[4] Skoglund, C., Sundström Poromaa, I., Leksell, D., et al. (2024). Time after time: Failure to identify and support females with ADHD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 65(6), 832–844. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.13920

[5] Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). (2023). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan (Position Statement 55). Melbourne, Australia: Author. https://www.ranzcp.org/clinical-guidelines-publications/clinical-guidelines-publications-library/adhd-across-the-lifespan