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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include doctors (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 cannot prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that result in impairment in work or school settings, and aren't more easily explained by other mental health disorders or conditions. Medical Doctor A thorough evaluation is required to identify accurately ADHD. This must be conducted by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who is skilled in the diagnosis of ADHD. A variety of healthcare professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment, such as nurses, family physicians as well as psychiatrists or neurologists and master level counselors with degrees in counseling or psychology. The best method to diagnose ADHD is a psychiatric doctor particularly if they have experience treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and examine the patient's symptoms, history and how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient to what is normal for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by a different issue, like depression or physical illness. For children the evaluator will talk to parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, like coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's educational and developmental history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must display at least six of the symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause problems at home, school or at work and in 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 to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have affected relationships, work and school. In addition the mental health professional will assess the person's mood and medical history, as well as other issues, such as drug or alcohol use. Some people might think that they should be evaluated for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they know their medical background. This is not always the best option. It is important to consider whether they are at ease discussing the issue with their PCP and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Psychiatrist In certain instances a primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in the patient. They are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is needed and refer patients to specialists who can assist with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some cases an neurologist may be required to examine the central nervous system and the brain. A psychiatric evaluation includes interviews with the patient and their parents as well as caregivers. It also includes assessing the student's performance, as well as medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health tests and questionnaires. In addition, a psychiatrist specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out 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 be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings such as at home, work, and social activities. They must also be significantly restricting the person's performance and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact the performance of a worker they may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD might benefit from seeing an experienced psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people to recognize their symptoms and help them cope with these symptoms. They can also offer emotional assistance and encourage. People who suffer from ADHD often feel like they're considered unfit to concentrate and complete tasks, but obtaining an assessment can help them realize that it's not their fault. When choosing a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to speak with the patient openly. Also, you should take into consideration the level of expertise and experience of the healthcare professional. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor issue the patient may have to seek a different provider. Psychologist Although they hold advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists are specialized in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer professional assessments and therapy, however, they are not able to prescribe medication. They may ask to interview others, like parents and teachers to gain a more complete understanding of the person's life. They may also ask questions about the person's behavior. They will attempt to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood, and If not, if they've been present in the last six months. Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should speak with their primary care provider. While they might not be able diagnose the condition, they may refer patients to specialists who are able to. People should choose professionals they are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should stay clear of a professional who is judgmental or dismisses their concerns as they are unlikely to provide the level of care that is required. I Am Psychiatry are able to diagnose and treat adults suffering from ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, it is important to find out which practitioners have the most experience with the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. If you're diagnosed, seek additional support from your treatment team. This includes speech and educational specialists, therapy and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD share many of the same symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them during the evaluation. People suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression followed by episodes mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, become easily distracted and forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health specialists who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Education Specialist If your child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that causes disruption to school and at home it's crucial to discuss it with a health professional. Primary care doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists are all trained to recognize ADHD. Based on the professional's qualifications and training, they may also be able to provide treatment like psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals consider various factors. They look at the symptoms and the way they impact the daily activities of a person whether at home, in school, in the workplace or in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and the family history of ADHD. A person must show at least six of the symptoms, such as inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are described in the diagnostic criteria for children. This is a lengthy procedure, and health professionals must have as much information as they can to establish the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents, teachers and other caregivers. It is crucial to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in various settings, as the symptoms can differ across settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical for their abilities and age. The diagnosis is a relief as it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack in brain power. They can be addressed with medication and other options for treatment. Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in childhood. It's because it's thought that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's crucial to rule out these conditions prior to making an official diagnosis. It is recommended to ask trusted friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when choosing a health professional who can examine or treat ADHD. It's also a good idea to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You might even be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.