Psychologist vs GP: ADHD Assessments

General Practitioners (GPs) play an important role in recognising the signs of ADHD, discussing your concerns, ruling out possible medical causes for your symptoms, and referring you to the most appropriate healthcare professional. They are often the first step in the assessment process.

Psychologists have specialised training in psychological assessment and are able to conduct comprehensive ADHD evaluations. Rather than relying on a brief consultation, they use a combination of detailed clinical interviews, standardised assessment tools, developmental history, behavioural questionnaires, and, where appropriate, information from family members, partners, or teachers. This thorough approach helps build a clear picture of how symptoms have been present over time and how they affect different areas of life, such as work, study, relationships, and everyday tasks.

A psychological assessment can also identify other factors that may be contributing to your difficulties. Many conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders, sleep problems, and autism, can share symptoms with ADHD or occur alongside it. Understanding the full picture helps ensure that recommendations and treatment are tailored to your individual needs.

It is important to note that psychologists do not prescribe medication. If medication is being considered, a psychiatrist is generally required to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. However, a comprehensive assessment completed by a psychologist can provide valuable information to support ongoing care and assist your psychiatrist or GP in developing the most appropriate treatment plan.

If you are considering getting an ADHD assessment but have a few questions, book in a 15min phone call with our Principal psychologist, Shannon.