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Who Diagnoses ADHD? Psychologists as well as counselors and therapists who are licensed to diagnose ADHD are also included on the list. Nurse practitioners and social workers can also 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 lead to difficulties in school or at work environments and are not better explained by other mental health issues or mood disorders. Medical Doctor To make a correct diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination. It should be done by an experienced mental health professional or medical doctor who is certified to identify ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can conduct an ADHD assessment, including family nurses, doctors as well as psychiatrists, neurologists and master level counselors who have an education in counseling or psychology. However, the most effective option for diagnosing ADHD is a psychiatrist, specifically one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD. The physician or mental health professional will assess the patient and look into the patient's symptoms and history. They will also consider how these symptoms affect the patient's life. The examiner will compare the individual's behavior to the expectations of the individual's age. They will also determine if the symptoms are more easily explained by a different issue, like depression or a physical illness. The evaluator will interview the parents, teachers, and any other caregivers that interact with the child. This includes coaches, daycare providers, etc. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD children must exhibit at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the ability to be impulsive. The symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and result in impairments at the workplace, home, school and social settings. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will be asked to conduct similar interviews with family members and colleagues, as well as an extensive medical and mental health history. They will be asked how the symptoms have affected them and whether they have experienced difficulties with their relationships, work or school. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as alcohol or drug use. In some instances one might think that their primary or general health care provider is the best option to assess their symptoms for ADHD because they are familiar with his or her medical history. This is not always a good idea. People should consider whether or not the person is comfortable talking to their PCP about this specific problem and if they feel confident that the PCP can identify and rule out any medical condition that may be a cause of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some cases the primary care physician might be able to diagnose ADHD in the patient. These doctors are usually able to assess the situation, determine if medication is required and refer patients to a specialist who can assist in the treatment. Other professionals that can diagnose ADHD are psychologists, psychiatrists and physician's assistants. In some instances the central nervous system and the brain will require a thorough examination by an expert in neurology. A psychiatric examination involves interviewing the patient, their parents and caregivers, as well as assessing the student's performance, medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. In addition, a psychiatrist 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 birth or in the womb, or early exposure to drugs and alcohol. To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of the patient must be present in at least two different settings, such as at home, at work or in social activities. They must also be limiting the person's performance and not be explained by other mental disorders or mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder. If ADHD symptoms affect a person's job performance, they may be qualified for reasonable accommodations. People with ADHD might get help from a counselor or psychologist who has a master's degree in counseling. These professionals can help people to recognize their symptoms and learn to deal with them. They can also offer emotional assistance and motivation. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement. When selecting a healthcare professional, it's crucial to choose someone who is nonjudgmental and willing to talk to the patient openly. It is also important to think about how experienced and knowledgeable the healthcare professional is. If they dismiss ADHD as a minor problem or have no knowledge of it, the patient might need to find a new provider. Psychologist Psychologists are doctors who specialize in treating mental disorders such as ADHD. They are able to provide professional assessments and therapy, but they cannot prescribe medications. They may request interviews with other people, such as parents and teachers to gain a more complete understanding of the person's life. They could also inquire about the person's current behavior. They will try to determine if symptoms have been present since childhood, and, if not, whether they have been present within the last six months. Anyone who suspects that they might have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. They may not be able diagnose the condition but they may be able to refer you to specialists who are. Patients should choose a specialist whom they feel comfortable and at ease. They should avoid professionals who are judgemental or dismiss their concerns, since they won't provide the necessary care. Certain healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat adults with ADHD such as family physicians and psychiatrists. However, one should find out which practitioners have the most experience in treating the disorder before making an appointment. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, including sedatives and stimulating drugs. These drugs can trigger dangerous side effects when they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about a range emotions, such as relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team, for example, educational specialists speech and language therapists, and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from 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 might have periods of extreme depression, followed by episodes mania. They may exaggerate the amount energy they have, become easily distracted and forget their appointments. They can be referred mental health professionals who specialize in BD for help with diagnosis and treatment. Educational Specialist If your child seems to have trouble with hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that is disruptive to home and school life it is important to talk about it with a medical professional. Primary health doctors, therapists and psychiatrists are all able to recognize ADHD. According to the professional's training and qualifications, they may be able provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD, health specialists look at a variety of factors. They examine the symptoms and their impact on the daily activities of a person, whether it is at home, at school, at work, or in relationships. They also consider the person's past history of symptoms and any family history of ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must show at least six symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior, as defined in diagnostic criteria for adolescents and children. www.iampsychiatry.com 's a complicated process and health professionals should have as much information on the patient as possible. This includes information directly from teachers, parents and other caregivers. It is particularly important to evaluate a child or teenager's behavior in a variety of settings as often symptoms manifest differently in different settings. When people are diagnosed with ADHD, they often realize that their difficulties at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, because it means that the difficulties are not due to lack of focus or insufficient of brain power and can be helped by medication and other treatments. Adults are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD when symptoms have been present in the early years of childhood. It's because it's thought that ADHD isn't a condition that develops for the first time until adulthood. Some medical and mental conditions, along with major life events, may trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. It's important to rule these out prior to making an official diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD you should solicit recommendations from family, relatives, friends and therapists you are comfortable with. It's important to do your research and find out more about the professional's qualifications and experience. 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