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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family doctors and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists, and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that result in difficulties in school or at work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough evaluation is required to identify accurately ADHD. This should be done by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians, a psychiatrist or neurologist and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. However, the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental healthcare professional will evaluate the patient and review the patient's symptoms and their history. They will also look at how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will assess the individual's behavior to what is expected of a person's age. The evaluator will also determine if the symptoms are better explained by another issue, like depression or a physical illness. For children the evaluator will speak with parents, teachers and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator will also go over the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and result in impairments at the workplace, home, school and social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will have similar discussions with family members and colleagues, as well as a complete medical and mental health history. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have affected relationships, work and school. The professional in mental health will also examine the person's mood, medical background as well as other issues such as drug or alcoholic use. Some people might think that they ought to be assessed for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner since they know his or her medical background. This isn't always a good idea. People should think about whether they are comfortable discussing this problem with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that could be similar to symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary doctor. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication may be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In visit this hyperlink and the brain will require a thorough examination by neurologists. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical testing in order to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications associated with delivery, environmental toxins in pregnancy or exposure in the early years of childhood to drugs and alcohol. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two different settings such as at work, home, and social activities. They must also be restricting the person's performance and must not be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with ADHD might get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage them. They also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. It's crucial to select an individual who is not judgmental, and is willing to communicate openly with the patient. It is also important to be aware of the knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they don't seem to have knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be a minor issue, the patient may need to seek a different provider. Psychologist While they may have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessments and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medications. They can request to speak with others, like teachers and parents to gain a more complete picture of the individual's experience. They can also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will determine if signs have been present since childhood, and if they have not, if they have only been present for the past six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might be suffering from ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able determine the cause, but they can refer you to specialists who are. People should select professionals with whom they feel confident and at ease. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns because they will not be able to provide the quality of care required. Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, including family physicians and psychiatrists. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. It is also important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects if they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during assessment. Individuals suffering from BD may experience periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help in the treatment and diagnosis. Education Specialist It is essential to talk to a medical professional in the event that you or your child are experiencing trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and at-home life. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they may also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health specialists look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and the way they impact the daily activities of a person, whether it is at home, at school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also look at the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is essential to analyze the behavior of a teenager or child in various settings, as symptoms can vary in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their abilities and age. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the difficulties are not due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power. They can be treated with medication or other treatments. Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD when the symptoms were present since childhood. This is due to the belief that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. Certain mental and medical conditions, as well as life events that are significant may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It is important to rule these out prior to making an official diagnosis. It's best to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations before choosing a health professional who can assess or treat ADHD. It is also advisable to conduct your research and learn about the professional's qualifications and experience. You might also be interested in their previous clients and patients.