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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 provide therapy, but they are not able to prescribe medication. To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that cause problems in school or work settings, and aren't better explained by other mental health issues or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to accurately diagnose ADHD. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical professional who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation, such as family nurses, doctors and psychiatrists, a neurologist and master-level counselors who have an education in psychology or counseling. However, the most effective option for diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one with experience treating patients suffering from ADHD. The doctor or mental healthcare professional will assess the patient, and examine the patient's symptoms and history. They will also examine how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The examiner will compare the person's behavior with the expectations of the individual's age. He or she will determine if the symptoms could be explained by a distinct condition, such a depression or physical illness. For children, the evaluator will interview parents, teachers 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. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have at least six or more signs of inattention, hyperactivity and/or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and cause impairments in the workplace, home, school and social settings. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends, as well a complete medical history and mental health. They will also be asked to describe how the symptoms have affected their lives, and if they have interfered with relationships, work and school. The mental health professional will also evaluate the patient's mood, medical background as well as other issues such as alcohol or drug use. In some cases one might think that their general practitioner or primary health care provider is the best choice to evaluate them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical history. This isn't always an ideal choice. People should think about whether they feel at ease discussing this issue with their doctor and whether the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that might mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, a primary care physician may be able to diagnose ADHD in patients. These doctors are typically able to assess the situation and determine if medication is required and recommend patients to a specialist who can assist with treatment. Other professionals that are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In certain cases the central nervous system and the brain will require evaluation by a neurologist. A psychiatric assessment involves interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also includes evaluating school performance and medical and family histories, as well as completing mental health assessments and questionnaires. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical tests to rule out other illnesses or conditions that may cause symptoms of ADHD such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery and environmental toxins in the womb, or early exposure to drugs and alcohol. To be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings such as at home, work, and social activities. They must also be significantly limiting the person's functioning and cannot be better explained by other mental illnesses or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder the ability of a person to do their job, they are qualified for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A psychologist or counselor with an advanced degree in counseling may be able to help people with ADHD. These professionals can assist people in understanding their symptoms and teach how to deal with these symptoms. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. When choosing a healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who is nonjudgmental and willing to communicate with the patient in a transparent manner. It's also important to determine how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they view ADHD as a minor issue or lack knowledge about it, the patient might need to seek out another doctor. Psychologist While they have advanced degrees and are referred to as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however, they are not able prescribe medication. They can request others to be interviewed, including parents and teachers, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They can also inquire about the person's behavior at present. They will determine if the symptoms have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not it is if they have only been present for the last six months. Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should talk to their primary healthcare provider. While they might not be able diagnose the problem, they can refer patients to specialists who can. It is important to choose professionals whom they feel secure and at ease. They should avoid a specialist who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they will not be able to provide the level of care needed. Some healthcare providers like family physicians and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. However, it is important to be aware of which specialists have the most experience treating the disorder prior to scheduling an appointment. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking including sedatives as well as stimulating drugs. These medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of 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 develop co-occurring conditions like depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during evaluation. For instance, those suffering from BD will often have periods of extreme depression then mania-like episodes. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, become easily distracted, and may forget appointments. Their healthcare provider can refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can help with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist It's important to speak to a health care professional in the event that you or your child is experiencing problems with hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive, which can disrupt school and family life. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. Based on ADHD Diagnosis and experience, they might also be able to offer therapy such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD medical professionals look at a variety of factors. They look at the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in several situations, such as at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also look at the person's 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 inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, as listed in the diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a complicated process and health professionals need as much information about the patient as is possible. This includes direct information from the person's parents, teachers and other caregivers. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in more than one setting since often symptoms are different in different settings. Most often, those who are diagnosed with ADHD discover that they struggle at work or at home in ways that aren't typical of their intelligence and age. The diagnosis is a relief since it demonstrates that the issues are not due to laziness or a lack of brain power. They can be treated with medication and other treatment options. Health professionals in adulthood are more likely to recognize ADHD when the symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it's currently believed that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's crucial to rule these out before making an official diagnosis. When selecting a healthcare professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you are comfortable with. You should also do your research and learn about the qualifications of the doctor and their experience. You might want to inquire about their previous clients and patients.