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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 are also able to conduct initial assessments and provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have to show more than five signs, which cause impairment at work or in school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough evaluation is required to accurately diagnose ADHD. This should be performed by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can perform an ADHD assessment, including family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists and master level counselors with a degree in psychology or counseling. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor particularly if they have expertise in treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will examine the patient and analyze his or her symptoms, their history and how these symptoms impact the person's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the individual's age. The evaluator will determine if the behavior can be attributed to a different condition, such a physical or mental illness. For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents, and other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more signs like hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause impairments in school, at home, work and social situations. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues and are also required to provide a full medical history and mental health. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them and whether it has interfered with their relationships, work or school. In addition, the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood medical history and other problems, such as drinking or using drugs. Some people may feel that they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner since they are aware of their medical history. This isn't always the best choice. One should think about whether the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and also if they believe that the PCP is able to identify and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, individuals who suffer from ADHD may be able receive a diagnosis from their primary care physician. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication will be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some instances the brain and central nervous system will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology. A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes assessing the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out any other illnesses or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery, environmental toxins in the womb or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol. To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms have to be evident in two or more settings 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 the symptoms of ADHD hinder a person's ability to perform their job, they're qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A psychologist or counselor with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to assist those suffering from ADHD. These professionals can assist patients to recognize their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They can also provide emotional assistance and encourage. People with ADHD often feel like they're being judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault. When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to find one who isn't judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. It's also important to determine how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or treat it as a minor issue the patient may have to find a different doctor. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders, such as ADHD. They can provide professional assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They may request interviews with other people, such as teachers and parents, to get a better picture of the individual's experience. They also may inquire about the individual's behavior. They will attempt to determine if the person's symptoms have been present since childhood, and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present in the past six months. Anyone who suspects they may have ADHD should speak with their primary care provider. They may not be able to identify the problem, but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. People should select professionals with whom they feel confident and comfortable. They should avoid professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they are not able to provide the necessary care. Some healthcare providers, such as family physicians and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. It is also important to inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, especially sedatives and stimulants. These medications can interact with one another, resulting in dangerous side effects. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions such as 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 who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. adhd diagnostic and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common, so it is important to differentiate them during evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and forget appointments. They may be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment. Educational Specialist It's important to speak to a medical professional in the event that you or your child are experiencing issues with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and family life. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they might also be able to provide therapy such as psychotherapy. When determining ADHD health professionals consider several factors. They assess the symptoms and how they affect the person's everyday functioning in several settings, including at school, home, work and in relationships. They also take into account the person's history of symptoms as well as any family history of ADHD. A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms are described in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a rigorous process, so health professionals need to have as much information as possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the person's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in multiple settings, because many times symptoms manifest differently in different settings. When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their struggles at work or home aren't typical of their age and intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack of brainpower. They can be treated with medication and other options for treatment. In adults, health professionals are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms were present since childhood. This is due to the belief that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health issues and major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making an assessment. It's best to ask your trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations before choosing the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. You should also conduct your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might consider asking about the past clients and patients they have served.