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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists, counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also on the list. Social workers and nurse practitioner are also able to conduct initial assessments and offer therapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have more than five signs that lead to impairment in work or school environments and are not better explained by other mental health disorders or mood conditions. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to identify accurately ADHD. This should be done by a medical doctor or mental health professional who has been experienced in diagnosing ADHD. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, including family doctors, nurses and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have an education in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental healthcare professional will assess the patient and look into his or her symptoms and their history. They will also examine 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. The evaluator will also determine whether the symptoms are better explained by a different illness, such as depression or a physical illness. The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational history. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be present at least twice and result in difficulties at home, school at work, and in social settings. Adults who are 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 the symptoms have affected them and if it has interfered with their relationships, school or work. In addition the mental health professional will evaluate the person's mood, medical history and other problems, such as alcohol or drug use. In some cases it is possible for a person to believe that their general practitioner or primary health care provider is the best person to evaluate their condition for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. It is important to consider whether they are comfortable speaking with their PCP regarding this particular issue, and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases the primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in a patient. These doctors can assess the situation and determine if medication will be required. They can also refer patients to specialists 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 brain will need to be assessed by neurologists. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, assessing the student's performance, medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric expert can also suggest medical tests to rule out any other conditions or illnesses that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include low birth weight, complications with birth, environmental toxins that can cause problems during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to drugs and alcohol. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be evident in at least two settings that include at work, home, and social activities. They must also be limiting the person's functioning and must not be attributed to other mental illnesses or mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. If ADHD symptoms impact a person's job performance they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations. A psychologist or counselor who has a master's in counseling may be able to help those suffering from ADHD. They can help people understand their symptoms and help how to manage these symptoms. They also offer emotional support and encourage. People suffering from ADHD often feel judged for their inability to focus and complete tasks, but obtaining an diagnosis can help them realize it's not the fault of ADHD. When choosing a healthcare professional, it's important to choose a person who is not judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. It is also important to consider the level of knowledge and experience of the healthcare professional. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or lack knowledge about it, the patient may require another doctor. Psychologist Although they hold advanced degrees and are addressed as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions such as ADHD. They are able to provide expert assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, such as 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 symptoms have been present since childhood and If not, if they've been present for the last six months. Anyone who suspects that they have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. While they may not be able diagnose the problem, they can assist in referring patients to specialists who are able to. People should choose professionals they feel comfortable with and are confident in their capabilities. They should avoid professionals who judge or ignore their concerns, as they will not provide the care required. Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. However, a person should determine which doctors have the most experience in treating the disorder prior to making an appointment. It is also important to inform their health care providers about any medications they're taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share a variety of symptoms which is why it is essential to differentiate them during assessment. For instance, people with BD are often prone to experiencing periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, and be easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can help with treatment and diagnosis. Education Specialist It's important to speak with a health professional when you or your child is experiencing trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity, which can be disruptive to school and family life. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to diagnose ADHD. Based on their training and experience, they could be able to provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration several factors. They examine the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life whether at home, in school, at work, 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 the person must exhibit 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention and impulsivity, as listed in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. This is a very rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have as much information as possible to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents and teachers, as well as other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting as often symptoms are different in different settings. Many times, people who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it means that the problems aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power and can be helped with medication and other treatments. behavioral observations are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present since the early years of childhood. It's because they believe that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, as well as life events that are significant can trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule these out before making an official diagnosis. It is best to ask your trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can evaluate or treat ADHD. It's recommended to research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and expertise. You might also consider asking about their previous clients and patients.