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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Licensed professionals who diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also perform initial assessments and provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms that can cause problems at work or in school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to identify accurately ADHD. This should be performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including nurses, family physicians as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. The best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric physician, especially if they have prior experience treating ADHD patients. The physician or mental health professional will assess the patient and review the patient's symptoms and history. They will also look at how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the person's behavior with what is expected of a person's age. They will also determine whether the symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition, such as depression or physical illness. The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers, etc. The evaluator will also review the child's development and educational background. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in problems at home, school or at work and in social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with their family members and friends and will be required to submit complete medical and mental health history. They will be asked about how the symptoms have affected them and if they have experienced difficulties with their relationships, school or work. In addition the mental health professional will assess the individual's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, such as drinking or using drugs. In certain situations it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary care doctor is the best person to test them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always the best option. It is important to consider whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their physician and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that might cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances, a primary care physician may be able to identify ADHD in patients. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be required. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In some instances an neurologist may be needed to assess the central nervous system and the brain. A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing the student's performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. Additionally, Read the Full Report may recommend medical tests to rule out other diseases 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. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the person's symptoms must be present in more than one setting including at home, at work and in social activities. They must also hinder the person’s functioning and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect the performance of a worker they could be eligible for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD may benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist who holds a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their issues and help them cope with these symptoms. They also offer emotional assistance and support. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but getting an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not the fault of ADHD. It is essential to choose the right healthcare professional who is not judgmental, and who is able to openly communicate with the patient. It's also important to determine the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they treat ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient might require another doctor. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can provide therapies and offer expert assessments however, they are not able prescribe medication. They can request other people to be interviewed, for instance teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will determine if signs have been present since childhood, and if not the case if they've only been present for the past six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary healthcare provider. They might not be able to identify the problem, but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel secure and comfortable. They should stay clear of specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, as they won't provide the care required. Certain healthcare professionals like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important to find out who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. People should also be sure to tell their healthcare providers about any medication they are taking, particularly sedatives and stimulants. These medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis should seek additional assistance from other members of their treatment team like educational specialists, speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD often suffer from co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them during evaluation. For example, individuals with BD will often have periods of extreme depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They may overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They can be referred mental health specialists who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Education Specialist If your child or you is struggling with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that is disruptive to home and school life it's crucial to discuss it with a medical professional. Primary health care physicians, therapists and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. According to the professional's training and experience, they could be able to provide psychotherapy. When determining ADHD health professionals take into consideration a number of factors. They look at the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily functioning, whether it is at home, in school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also consider the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. A person has to show six or more symptoms, such as hyperactivity or inattention, to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy procedure, and health professionals must have the most complete information possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings, because many times symptoms are different in different settings. Often, people who get diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. Diagnosis is a relief, because it indicates that the difficulties are not caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be helped with medication or other treatments. In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. However, certain mental and medical conditions and life events could produce symptoms that resemble ADHD and it's crucial to rule out other causes before making the diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to treat or evaluate your ADHD, it's best to solicit recommendations from family, friends, family and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also conduct your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might also want to inquire about their previous clients and patients.