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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include doctors (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 cannot prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five symptoms that cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be conducted by a mental health professional or medical doctor who is trained to identify ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, such as family nurses, doctors, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master-level counselors who have degrees in counseling or psychology. However, the best option for diagnosing ADHD may be a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze the patient's symptoms, past history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The person evaluating the patient compares the person's behavior with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be attributed to a different issue, such as depression or physical illness. The evaluator will interview the parents as well as teachers and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator also reviews the child's academic and developmental history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident at least two times and cause difficulties at home, school or at work and in social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar conversations with their family members and friends and will also be asked to provide a complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and if they have affected relationships, work or school. The professional in mental health will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background and other issues such as alcohol or drug use. In certain situations, a person may feel that their primary or general care doctor is the best person to test their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical background. This is not always the best idea. It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their doctor and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that might cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances, those who suffer from ADHD might be able to receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. They can evaluate the situation and determine if medication may be required. They can also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be needed to evaluate the brain and central nervous system. A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also involves evaluating the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories and filling out mental health tests and questionnaires. A psychiatric expert can also recommend medical tests to rule out any other ailments or diseases that could trigger symptoms of ADHD. This could include problems with birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol. To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in at least two different settings, such as at home, at work or in social activities. They must also be hindering the person's ability to function and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD impact a person's ability to perform their job, they are eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A counselor or psychologist with a master's degree in counseling might be able to assist people with ADHD. They can help people understand their symptoms and teach them to cope with them. They also provide emotional support and encouragement. People with ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault. It's crucial to select a healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they seem to lack understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue, the patient may need to find a new doctor. Psychologist Although they hold advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can provide counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents to get a clearer picture of the individual's experiences. They may also ask about the person's current behavior. They will determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months. Anyone who suspects they may might have ADHD should speak with their primary care doctor. Although they may not be able to identify the condition, they may assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should avoid specialists who judge or ignore their concerns, as they are not able to provide the necessary care. Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, one should be aware of which specialists have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. Also, it is important to inform their health care providers about any medications they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications can interact with each other which can cause dangerous adverse effects. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a range of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed you should seek out additional help from your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during the evaluation. For example, individuals with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, then mania-like episodes. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, be easily distracted and forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis. Education Specialist If your child or you is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home it is important to talk about it with a medical professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they may also be able provide treatment like psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration a number of factors. diagnosis of adhd IamPsychiatry examine the symptoms and how they affect the person's daily functioning in several situations, such as at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. It is a difficult process and health professionals must have as much information about the patient as they can. This includes direct information from parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings since often, symptoms occur differently in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD find themselves struggling at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief since it means that the difficulties are not caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other treatments. Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to diagnose ADHD in those who were present since the age of. It's because they believe that ADHD cannot be diagnosed in adulthood. However, some mental health and medical illnesses and major life events may produce symptoms that resemble ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making an assessment. When you are choosing a doctor to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should seek recommendations from your people you know, family members and therapists you trust. It's important to research and learn more about the professional's credentials and experience. You might consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.