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Who Diagnoses ADHD? The licensed professionals who 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 provide therapy, but they can't prescribe medication. To be considered to have ADHD adults must show more than five symptoms that lead to difficulties in school or at work settings and that are not better explained by other mental health issues or mood disorders. Medical Doctor Getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough evaluation. This should be done by an experienced medical doctor or mental health professional who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD. There are many healthcare professionals who can perform an ADHD assessment, including family doctors, nurses, a neurologist or psychiatrist and master-level counselors who have an education in psychology or counseling. But the best option for diagnosing ADHD could be a psychiatric physician, especially one who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD. The doctor or mental health professional will evaluate the patient and review the patient's symptoms and their history. They will also examine how these symptoms impact the patient's life. The evaluator compares the person's behavior with what is expected for their age. He or she will also determine if the symptoms can be explained better by another illness, such as depression or a physical illness. For children the evaluator will speak with parents teachers, parents and any other caregivers who interact with the child, such as coaches or day care providers. The evaluator also examines the child's developmental and educational history. To be diagnosed with ADHD a child must show six or more symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must be present at least twice and cause impairments at school, home, the workplace and in social situations. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD undergo similar interviews with their family members and friends as well as a thorough medical history and mental health. They will be asked how their symptoms have affected them and whether it has affected their relationships, school or work. The mental health professional will also assess the person's mood, medical background, and other problems such as drug or alcoholic use. In certain situations one might think that their primary or general health care provider is the best option to evaluate their condition for ADHD because they are well-versed in their medical background. This isn't always an ideal choice. People should consider whether they are comfortable talking to their PCP about this particular issue and also if they believe that the doctor can recognize and eliminate any medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD. Psychiatrist In some instances, individuals with ADHD might be able to be diagnosed by their primary care physician. They are usually capable of assessing the situation and determine if medication is needed and recommend patients to an expert who can help in the treatment. Other professionals who can diagnose ADHD are psychiatrists, psychologists and physician's assistants. In certain cases the services of a neurologist are required to examine the central nervous system and the brain. A psychiatric assessment involves interviewing the patient, parents and caregivers, evaluating school performance as well as medical and family history and completing mental health questionnaires and tests. A psychiatric professional can recommend medical tests to rule out any other ailments or diseases that could cause symptoms of ADHD. These include the low birth weight, complications during delivery, environmental toxins during pregnancy or early exposures to drugs and alcohol. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in at least two settings, including at home, work and social activities. They must also hinder the person's ability to function and not be attributed to other mental disorders or mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder or depression. If the symptoms of ADHD impact the ability of a person to do their job, they're eligible to receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with ADHD might get help from a psychologist or counselor with a master's level in counseling. These professionals can help people to understand their symptoms and learn how to cope with them. They also offer emotional assistance and encourage. People with ADHD often feel considered unfit to concentrate and finish tasks, but receiving an diagnosis can help them realize it's not their fault. When selecting the right healthcare professional, it's essential to choose a person who isn't judgmental and willing to communicate with the patient openly. It is also important to think about how knowledgeable and experienced the healthcare professional is. If they appear to lack understanding of ADHD or treat it as a minor condition, the patient may need to seek a different provider. Psychologist While they may have advanced degrees and are referred to as psychologists, psychologists specialize in mental health issues such as ADHD. They can offer counseling and provide assessments that are based on expertise however they are not able to prescribe medication. They can ask others to be interviewed, including teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding of the individual's experiences. They can also ask questions about the person's current behavior. They will attempt to determine if the individual's symptoms have been present since childhood, and in the event that they have not, whether they've been present for the last six months. People who suspect they might have ADHD should consult their primary care doctor. They might not be able to identify the problem, but they can refer you to specialists who are. People should choose professionals they trust and feel confident in their abilities. They should stay clear of a professional who acts in a judgmental manner or ignores their concerns since they will not be able to provide the quality of care that is required. Certain healthcare professionals are able to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD including family doctors and psychiatrists. Before making an appointment, it's important to determine which doctors are the most familiar in treating ADHD. It is also important to tell their healthcare providers about any medications they're taking, particularly stimulants and sedatives. These medications could cause dangerous side effects if they interact. A diagnosis of ADHD may bring about an array of emotions, such as relief and confusion. People who receive a diagnosis need to seek additional help from other members of their treatment team such as educational specialists speech and language therapists and behavioral therapists. People suffering from ADHD often develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder (BD). BD and ADHD have many similar symptoms, which is why it's crucial to distinguish them in the course of assessment. For example, individuals with BD typically experience periods of extreme depression which are followed by episodes of mania. They might overly exaggerate their energy levels, be easily distracted, and may forget appointments. They can be referred mental health specialists who specialize in BD to help in diagnosing and treatment. Education Specialist It's important to speak to a medical professional if you or your child is having trouble with hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior, which could disrupt school and home life. coping strategies who are trained to diagnose ADHD include primary care doctors as well as psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists. Based on the professional's education and experience, they could be able provide psychotherapy. When diagnosing ADHD health professionals take into consideration several factors. They examine the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily functioning in various situations, such as at school, home or at work, as well as in relationships. They also consider the person's past symptoms as well as the family history of ADHD. A person must show at least six of the symptoms, like inattention or hyperactivity, to be deemed to have ADHD. These symptoms are listed in the criteria for diagnosing children with ADHD. This is a very rigorous procedure, and health professionals need to have the most complete information possible to make the diagnosis. This includes direct information from parents teachers, caregivers, and other parents. It is crucial to examine the behavior of a teenager or child in multiple settings as often, symptoms occur differently in different settings. If someone is diagnosed with ADHD they are often able to see that their issues at home or at work aren't typical of their age and intelligence. Diagnosis is a relief, since it means that the issues aren't caused by laziness or lack of brainpower and can be treated with medication and other treatments. For adults, doctors are more likely to diagnose ADHD if the symptoms were present since the age of. It's because they believe that ADHD is not diagnosed until adulthood. However, certain medical and mental health conditions and major life events can produce symptoms that resemble ADHD, so it's important to rule out other causes before making a diagnosis. When choosing a health professional to evaluate or treat your ADHD, it's best to seek recommendations from your relatives, friends and therapists you trust. You should also do your research and learn more about the professional's qualifications and experience. You may also be able to inquire about the previous clients and patients they have served.