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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioners also perform initial assessments and offer therapy but cannot prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD, adults must have more than five symptoms that cause impairment in work or school environments and are not more easily explained by other mental health disorders or conditions. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis of ADHD. This should be performed by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD evaluation, such as family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master level counselors who have degrees in psychology or counseling. But the best option to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and review the patient's symptoms and past. They will also look at how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The examiner will compare the behavior of the patient with the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will determine if the symptoms can be explained by a distinct condition, such a depression or physical illness. The evaluator will speak with the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers who interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and other daycare providers. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show at least six of the symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause problems in school, home, work and social situations. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and colleagues as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have interfered with relationships, work and school. In addition the mental health professional will evaluate the individual's mood medical history and other issues, such as drug or alcohol use. In some cases one might think that their primary or general care doctor is the best person to assess their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. This isn't always the best option. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and whether the PCP is confident in his or her ability to identify and rule out medical conditions that may be similar to symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases, a primary care physician might be able to identify ADHD in a patient. These doctors are typically capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is required and send patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. adhd in adults undiagnosed who can diagnose ADHD include psychiatrists, psychologists nurse practitioners, physician assistants. In some cases the brain and central nervous system will need to be assessed by a neurologist. A psychiatric assessment includes interviews with the patient as well as their parents and caregivers. It also includes assessing the performance of students and medical and family histories and filling out mental health assessments and questionnaires. In addition, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out any other illnesses or conditions that could trigger symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery, environmental toxins in the womb or early exposure to drugs and alcohol. To be able to identify ADHD, the person's symptoms have to be present in at least two different settings, such as at home, at work and in social activities. They should also be limiting the person's ability to function and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with ADHD might 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 them. They also offer emotional assistance and encouragement. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. It is also important to take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or have no knowledge of it, the patient may require a new provider. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders like ADHD. They can offer therapies and offer expert assessments however, they are not able prescribe medications. They can request others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. 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 If not, if they've been present in the last six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might be suffering from ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. They may not be able diagnose the condition but they could refer you to specialists who are. Patients should select specialists they are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid specialists who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they won't offer the proper care. Some healthcare providers like family physicians and psychiatrists, may be able to assess and treat adults with ADHD. However, a person should be aware of which specialists have the most experience treating the disorder before making an appointment. Also, it is important to inform their doctor about any medications they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These drugs can interact with one another and cause dangerous side effects. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger various emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes educational specialists, speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People with ADHD often have co-occurring disorders like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have a number of symptoms in common and symptoms, therefore it is crucial to distinguish them during assessment. For instance, people with BD typically experience periods of extreme depression, then mania-like episodes. They may exaggerate how much energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their doctor can refer them to mental health professionals specializing in BD who can assist with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist If your child or you has trouble with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can be disruptive to school and at home, it's important to talk about it with a healthcare professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all qualified to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's education and experience, they could be able provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration several factors. They analyze the signs, and how they affect the person's daily life whether at home, at school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also take into account the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have at least six or more signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. This is a very rigorous process, so health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to determine the diagnosis. This includes direct information from the patient's parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is crucial to examine a child or teenager's behavior in more than one setting, because many times, symptoms occur differently in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD realize that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their age and intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, since it means that the issues aren't caused by lack of motivation or a lack of brain power and can be addressed with medication or other treatments. Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in the early years of childhood. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD does not develop for the first time in adulthood. However, certain mental health and medical issues and major life events may cause symptoms that look like ADHD therefore it's essential to identify other causes prior to making a diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to assess or treat your ADHD is best to get recommendations from friends, family and therapists you trust. It's important to do your research and find out more about the professional's credentials and expertise. You may even be interested in their past clients and patients.