Perhaps the most common misconception about ADHD diagnoses is that only psychiatrists can perform them. Psychoanalysts, psychologists and neurologists can, too. But only psychiatrists and a handful of other specialists can sign the special authority that allows Ritalin or dexamphetamine – both controlled drugs with potential for abuse – to be prescribed.
Being the official pill-dispensers doesn’t sit easily with some psychiatrists. No only are there too few of them to meet the diagnostic demand,, they face strife and sometimes outright threats from patients and families who don’t get the diagnosis and prescription they want – typically because an anxiety disorder is diagnosed instead. “So we tend not to stick our heads up above the parapet.”
