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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 also conduct initial assessments and offer therapy but are not able prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must show more than five symptoms, which cause impairment at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor A thorough assessment is necessary to identify accurately ADHD. This should be performed by a psychiatrist or a mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis of 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 could be a psychiatrist, specifically one who has experience in treating patients suffering from ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will assess the patient and review the patient's symptoms and their history. They will also look at how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator will compare the behavior of the patient with the typical behavior for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by another issue, like depression or a physical illness. The evaluator will talk to the parents teachers, parents, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers and others. The evaluator will also review the child's developmental and educational background. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be evident at least twice and cause impairments at school, home, the workplace and in social situations. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are also questioned by their family members and friends 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 if they have affected relationships, work or school. In addition, the mental health professional will examine the individual's mood medical history and other issues, like drinking or using drugs. Some people may think they should be screened for ADHD by their primary care physician or general practitioner because they are aware of their medical background. diagnosis adhd isn't always an ideal choice. One should consider whether they feel at ease discussing the issue with their physician and if the PCP is confident in his or her ability to recognize and rule out medical conditions that might be similar to symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases, a primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in the patient. These doctors are usually capable of assessing the situation, determine if medication is required and refer patients to an expert who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists nurses, physicians assistants. In some instances the brain and central nervous system will need to be assessed by a neurologist. A psychiatric examination includes interviews with the patient, their parents, and caregivers. It also involves evaluating the performance of students and medical and family histories and filling out mental health tests and questionnaires. Additionally, a psychiatric specialist may recommend medical testing to rule out other illnesses or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD, such as low birth weight, complications during the delivery or in the womb, or early childhood exposure to drugs and alcohol. To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms must be evident in more than one setting, such as at home, at work, and in social activities. They should also be restricting the person's performance and must not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders, like depression or bipolar disorder. If ADHD symptoms impact the person's work performance, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations. People suffering from ADHD may be able to benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist with a master's level in counseling. They can help people understand their symptoms and teach how to manage their symptoms. They can also provide emotional assistance and encouragement. People suffering from ADHD often feel like they're judged for their inability to concentrate and finish tasks, but receiving a diagnosis can help them realize that it's not their fault. It's crucial to select the right healthcare professional who is nonjudgmental, and is willing to openly communicate with the patient. It's also important to consider how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or view it as a minor condition, the patient may need to seek a different provider. Psychologist Although they hold advanced degrees and are referred to as doctors, psychologists specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. They can offer expert assessments and therapy, but cannot prescribe medication. They can request to speak with others, like parents and teachers, to get a better picture of the individual's experience. They can also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will determine if signs have been present in the person since the time of their birth, and if not, if they have only been present for the past six months. People who suspect they have ADHD should consult their primary care provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can refer patients to specialists who are able to. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel comfortable and comfortable. They should avoid professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, as they are not able to offer the proper care. Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, are able to evaluate and treat adults with ADHD. Prior to making an appointment, it's important to determine which practitioners are most experienced with ADHD. People should also be sure to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they are taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications could cause dangerous adverse effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD could trigger an array of emotions, including relief and confusion. If you receive a diagnosis and require additional help, consult your treatment team. This includes speech-language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. BD and ADHD have a lot of similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them in the course of the evaluation. For example, individuals with BD typically experience periods of severe depression, which are followed by episodes of mania. They might exaggerate the amount of energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. Their healthcare provider may refer them to mental health professionals that specialize in BD who can assist with treatment and diagnosis. Educational Specialist It is important to talk to a medical professional if you or your child are experiencing problems 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 as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. According to the professional's training and experience, they could be able to offer psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration a number of factors. They examine the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities of a person, whether it is at home, at the classroom, at work or in relationships. They also examine the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and the ability to be impulsive, as described in diagnostic criteria for teens and children. It's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information about the patient as they can. This includes information directly from teachers or parents, as well as other caregivers. It's especially important to assess the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings since often symptoms are different in different settings. When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their difficulties at home or at work are not typical of their age or intelligence. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a relief because it means that the issues aren't due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power and can be addressed by medication and other treatments. For adults, doctors are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms were present since childhood. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD does not develop for the first time until adulthood. Certain mental and medical illnesses, as well as major life events can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD. It is important to rule out these conditions prior to making an official diagnosis. It is best to ask trusted family members, friends, family members and therapists for recommendations when selecting a health professional who can assess or treat ADHD. It's recommended to research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may even consider asking about their previous clients and patients.