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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Professionals who are licensed to diagnose ADHD include physicians (particularly psychiatrists, family physicians and neurologists) psychologists, psychologists and licensed counselors and therapists. Social workers and nurse practitioner can also perform initial assessments and offer therapy, but they can't prescribe medication. Adults diagnosed with ADHD must exhibit more than five signs, that can cause problems at work or at school and are not explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders. Medical Doctor Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. It should be done by an expert in mental health or a medical doctor certified to diagnose ADHD. Many healthcare professionals can carry out an ADHD assessment, such as family physicians, nurses and psychiatrists, neurologists or psychiatrists, and master level counselors who have a degree in counseling or psychology. The best way to determine ADHD is a psychiatrist who has prior experience treating ADHD patients. The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and look at his or her symptoms, history and how those symptoms affect the patient's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior to what is normal for their age. The evaluator will determine if the symptoms can be attributed to a different issue, such as physical or mental illness. For children, the evaluator will interview parents, teachers and other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's development and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD the child must exhibit six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least two times and cause problems at home, school, the workplace and in social situations. adhd diagnosis in 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 also be asked to write about how the symptoms have affected their lives and whether they have interfered with relationships, work and school. In addition the mental health professional will examine the person's mood and medical history, as well as other problems, such as drinking or using drugs. In some instances one might think that their primary or general physician is the best option to assess them for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This is not always the best option. It is important to consider whether the person is comfortable speaking with their PCP about this specific problem and if they are confident that the doctor can recognize and rule out any medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases, a primary care physician might be able diagnose ADHD in a patient. The doctor can assess the situation and determine if medication may be necessary. They may also refer patients to specialists who can help with treatment. Other professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD include psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants. In some cases the central nervous system and the brain will require a thorough examination by a neurologist. A psychiatric evaluation includes interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance as well as medical and family history, and filling out mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can suggest medical tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications with delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy, or early childhood exposures to alcohol and drugs. To get a diagnosis of ADHD the person's symptoms must 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 caused by other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD hinder the ability of a person to do their job, they are eligible for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with ADHD may benefit from seeing a counselor or psychologist who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can assist people to understand their issues and learn how to cope with their symptoms. They also offer emotional assistance and support. They can also provide emotional support and encouragement. When selecting a healthcare professional, it's crucial to choose someone who is not judgmental and willing to talk to the patient openly. It is also important to think about the level of experience and knowledge that the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack knowledge of ADHD or consider it to be an unimportant condition The patient may need to find a different doctor. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in mental disorders, such as ADHD. They are able to offer therapy and provide expert assessments however they are not able to prescribe medications. They can ask others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents, to gain a better understanding of the person's life. They also may ask questions about the person's present behavior. They will determine if signs have been present since childhood, and if not the case if they've only been present for the last six months. Anyone who is concerned that they might be suffering from ADHD should consult their primary healthcare provider. Although they may not be able to diagnose the condition, they can help make referrals to specialists who can. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and feel confident in their capabilities. They should avoid professionals who are judgmental or dismiss their concerns, since they won't offer the proper care. Some healthcare providers such as family doctors and psychiatrists, can evaluate and treat adults suffering from ADHD. Before scheduling an appointment, it is important to determine who is the most knowledgeable in treating ADHD. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking such as sedatives and stimulant drugs. These medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a variety of emotions that include relief and confusion. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders like bipolar disorder or depression. BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, so it's important to distinguish them during evaluation. People suffering from BD may suffer from periods of extreme depression that are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They can be referred to mental health professionals who specialize in BD to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist It's important to speak to a medical professional in the event that you or your child is having trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity, which can be disruptive to school and at-home life. Health professionals who are certified to diagnose ADHD include primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's credentials and experience, they may also be able to provide treatments such as psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD, health experts look at a range of factors. They examine the symptoms and their impact on a person's daily functioning whether at home, at school, at work or in relationships. They also look at the person's previous symptoms and family history of ADHD. A person must exhibit at least six of the symptoms, including inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are outlined in the diagnostic criteria for children. It's a complicated process and health professionals must have as much information on the patient as is possible. This includes information directly from the patient's teachers as well as parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate the behavior of a teenager or child in a variety of settings since often symptoms manifest differently in different settings. If someone is diagnosed with ADHD They often discover that their issues at home or at work aren't typical of their age or intelligence. The diagnosis is a relief since it demonstrates that the issues aren't due to lazyness or a lack in brain power. They can be treated with medication and other treatment options. Adults are more likely be diagnosed with ADHD if symptoms have been present in the beginning of their lives. It's because they believe that ADHD is not a condition that can be detected until adulthood. Some medical and mental illnesses, as well as major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making a definitive diagnosis. It's best to ask trusted friends or family members as well as therapists for recommendations when choosing the right health professional to examine or treat ADHD. It's recommended to do your homework and find out more about the professional's credentials and experience. You may want to ask about their previous clients and patients.