From my experience, medical doctors, will write prescriptions when they dx ADHD - they don't look to see if there could be another cause (diet, food sensitivities, vitamin/mineral/amino acid/ect. deficits, etc.). Many people recommend seeing a psychiatrist as they are generally more knowledgeable than pediatricians. But, you may still get a prescription. I do believe that thorough testing is a good thing - make sure the child really has ADHD and not anxiety, bipolar, etc.. But, if the child really has ADHD, meds aren't always a bad thing. We had great success for many years with meds. Currently we are trying some alternatives but if necessary, I will go back to meds.
You may want to post this same question on the alternative section as well. I know I've seen several type of alternative "doctors" mentioned there that people have had success with.
I don't know about "tests" for ADHD but I have discovered (on my own) that dyes and some foods/spices that are high in salycilates (ie. tomatoes, peaches, tumeric, etc.) will make my son VERY hyper. There is a lot of good info on the alternatives forum you might find helpful.
Good luck!
Kim
Greyhoundmom0339871.7458333333If you want drugs you go to a child psychiatrist or behavioral pediatrician (MDs). If you want testing you go to a psychologist specializing in educational testing or a neuro-psychologist (they cannot prescribe drugs). If you want testing for allergies, mineral deficiences, amino-acid imbalances and so forth, you go to a naturopath (not covered by insurance).My sons Psychiatrist writes the script after 10 minutes as well. We also have a therapist for my son to talk and solve problems.