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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause impairment at school or at work and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment. This should be done by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master level counselors with a degree in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective method of diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatrist, specifically one with experience treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The examiner will compare the person's behavior with the expectations of the person's age. They will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by a different issue, like depression or a physical illness. For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show at least six of the symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. diagnosed with adult adhd IamPsychiatry must be evident at least two times and cause problems at home, school or at work and in social settings. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD will undergo similar conversations with family members and colleagues and will also be asked to provide 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. In addition the mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood medical history and other issues, like drug or alcohol use. In certain situations one might think that their general practitioner or primary health care provider is the best choice to evaluate them for ADHD because they are familiar with their medical background. This isn't always an ideal choice. One should think about whether or not the person is comfortable speaking to their doctor about this specific problem and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, individuals with ADHD might be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary doctor. These doctors are typically able to assess the situation, determine if medication is necessary and send patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some cases the central nervous system and the brain will require evaluation by neurologists. A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, assessing school performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist can recommend medical testing to rule out any other illnesses or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during birth, environmental toxins in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be evident in at least two environments, including at work, home, and social activities. They must also hinder the person's ability to function and not be caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations. People with ADHD might benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist patients to recognize their symptoms and learn to deal with their symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and encouragement. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. It's important that you choose a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or treat it as an unimportant condition the patient may have to seek a different provider. Psychologist While they have advanced degrees and are recognized as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask other people to be interviewed, including parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They may also inquire about the individual's present behavior. They will try to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood and If not, if they've been present for the last six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might be suffering from ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able determine the cause, but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should stay clear of a professional who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns as they are unlikely to provide the quality of care needed. Some healthcare providers can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. These medications can cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you should seek out additional support from other members of their treatment team for example, educational specialists, speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder or depression (BD). BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during evaluation. People suffering from BD may experience periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes of mania. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals who specialize in BD who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis. Educational Specialist If you or a child has trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that can be disruptive to home and school life, it's important to discuss it with a health professional. Health professionals who are certified to recognize ADHD include primary care doctors psychiatrists, therapists, and psychologists. Based on the professional's qualifications and experience, they might also be able to offer therapy such as psychotherapy. When determining ADHD health professionals take into consideration various factors. They assess the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in a variety of settings, including at home, school, work and in relationships. They also look at the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD. A person must exhibit six or more symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a very rigorous process, which is why health professionals must have the most complete information possible to make the diagnosis. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is important to evaluate a child's or teenager's behaviour in a variety of settings, since symptoms may differ in different settings. Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief because it means that the problems aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brainpower and can be addressed with medication or other treatments. Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms were present since the early years of childhood. It's because it is believed that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. However, some mental and medical conditions and life events could cause symptoms that look like ADHD therefore it's essential to determine the cause before making the diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to assess or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional’s qualifications and expertise. You may even want to inquire about their previous clients and patients.