Diagnostic Tune-Up: Bypassing ADHD Blunders

About this training

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective psychological care, yet ADHD remains one of the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions in both children and adults. This interactive two-hour workshop is designed for clinicians and graduate students who want to sharpen their diagnostic skills and reduce common errors in assessment. We’ll explore the latest research on ADHD prevalence and misdiagnosis, review case examples where symptom overlap leads to confusion, and discuss how factors such as anxiety, trauma, learning differences, and environmental stressors can masquerade as ADHD. Participants will gain practical tools for conducting thorough evaluations, learn how to differentiate ADHD from other conditions, and discover strategies for making sound diagnostic decisions. Whether you conduct direct assessments or collaborate in the diagnostic process, this workshop offers actionable insights to support accurate identification and effective intervention for ADHD. Learning Objectives: 1) Identify common diagnostic errors and overlapping symptom presentations that contribute to misdiagnosis of ADHD in children and adults. 2) Distinguish ADHD from other psychological, medical, and contextual factors that may mimic its symptoms, using evidence-based assessment strategies. 3) Apply best practices for comprehensive evaluation and differential diagnosis of ADHD to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning