Question: What exactly is an ADHD specialist?
Answer: Unfortunately there is no formal training or certification to reflect a certain minimal level of competence in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The most important factor in determining a clinician’s expertise in treating ADHD is experience. What percentage of their current practice is ADHD? How long have they been treating it? Experience is especially important for doctors who realize that every patient is a teacher as well as a student.
There are frequent seminars and short courses available. Several good books are also available. Any book written by Dr. Edward Hallowell is based on good scientific studies and his years of clinical experience. His most recent book is Delivered from Distraction. There is a lot of material available online through CHADD.org and ADD.org.
Chances of getting an accurate diagnosis are better when seeing a specialist. One particular problem is the need to identify any other medical and/or mental health problems before beginning treatment for ADHD. Studies show up to 85% of ADHD adults have at least one other significant problem like anxiety, mood disorder, impulse control disorder, or substance abuse. Specialists are generally more comfortable and experienced with the full range of medication options as well as the cognitive behavioral component of treatment. They are usually more comfortable with higher doses required by some patients and combinations of 2 or more medications.
